Screening imported materials

A BBC report says Sri Lanka is sending 21 containers of recycled waste back to the UK after they were found to contain hazardous material. Hospital waste, plastic and polythene were reportedly discovered in the majority of the 263 containers imported in 2017 by a private firm. The shipment was meant to be made up of used mattresses, carpets and rugs.

This report is more relevant to Bangladesh, which is facing pollution, especially through dumping of plastic materials in open spaces and water bodies. Time has come to take steps to stop domestic pollution and ensure that no hazardous substance could be imported.

Abu Yusuf

Kalabagan, Dhaka

[email protected]