Published: 11:27 PM, 13 October 2026
Minister for taking integrated initiative to check plastic pollution
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintooon Tuesday stressed taking an integrated initiative to check plastic pollution.
He said the government, private sector, development partners, research institutions, civil society and waste management personnel must work collaboratively to curb plastic pollution.
The environment minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the launching ceremony of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Bangladesh held at a hotel in the capital.
The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNDP Bangladesh and the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership.
Mintooemphasised the need to move towards a circular economy by reducing the use of unnecessary plastics, increasing reuse, and strengthening waste collection and recycling systems.
He said plastic pollution affects urban drainage systems, rivers, wetlands, coastal areas, public health, and ecosystems.
At the same time, the minister said, plastic is integral to production, trade, employment, and daily life, so addressing this issue requires considering the entire system - from production and consumption to waste management.
Referring to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines, 2026 for plastic waste management, he said ensuring effective implementation is crucial to reaping the policy's benefits.
To this end, reliable data, cooperation among producers, regulatory bodies, recyclers, and local authorities, as well as necessary infrastructure, transparency and accountability are required, he said.
Highlighting the role of NPAP Bangladesh, Mintoo said the platform would help connect fragmented initiatives, bridge the gap between policy and implementation, link innovators with markets, and align investments with national priorities.
Stating that the government would lead the initiative, he called for the active participation of all relevant sectors and formally inaugurated the NPAP Bangladesh.
The minister urged business entities to come forward with practical solutions and investments.
He also called upon universities and research institutions to strengthen the evidence-base, asked development partners to align their cooperation with national priorities, and encouraged financial institutions to explore investment opportunities within circular economy.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change ShaikhMdFaridul Islam said the success of NPAP should be evaluated based on results rather than the mere number of meetings held.
Effective policy implementation, improved data reliability, enhanced cooperation and investment, the scaling up of effective solutions, and improvements in the living conditions of communities and waste workers would serve as the benchmarks for success, he said.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques said the impact of plastic pollution extends far beyond disposal sites as it clogs drains, increases risk of waterlogging and flooding, and reaches the sea via rivers.
Open burning of waste, including plastics, releases harmful particles and toxic substances into the air, posing health risks to local residents and waste workers, he said.
He stressed the need for encouraging households to segregate waste.
Director of World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) Cl‚menceSchmid delivered a video message.
Presided over by DrFahmidaKhanam, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the event was also attended, among others, by Additional Secretary Mohammad NavidShafiullah, Department of Environment Additional Director General Mohammed SolaimanHaider, and UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative Sardar M Asaduzzaman.
