Experts urge stronger public-private partnership to tackle plastic waste

FE Team | Published: July 17, 2026 22:51:29

Stronger collaboration among the government, industries, development partners, academia and the recycling sector is essential to build a sustainable plastic waste management system in Bangladesh, speakers said at a roundtable on Thursday.
The discussion, titled 'Sustainable plastic waste management in Bangladesh: Challenges and stakeholders' responsibilities,' was organised by PRAN-RFL Group with support from the Department of Environment (DoE) to mark World Environment Day 2026.
The event, held at the DoE conference room at Agargaon in Dhaka, was chaired by DoE Director General Dr. Md. Lutfur Rahman, says a press statement.
Participants discussed key challenges facing plastic waste management in Bangladesh, including waste segregation at source, efficient collection systems, greater use of recyclable plastics, resource recovery, effective implementation of existing policies and stronger public-private partnerships.
They stressed that developing an efficient and sustainable plastic waste management system would require not only sound policies but also stronger enforcement, greater public awareness and coordinated participation by all stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Lutfur Rahman said effective and coordinated plastic waste management is crucial for environmental protection and sustainable development.
"The government alone cannot address this challenge. Industries, local government institutions, the recycling sector, development partners, research organisations and the public all have important roles to play. Only through coordinated efforts can we build a sustainable and long-term plastic waste management system," he said.
Kamruzzaman Kamal, marketing director of PRAN-RFL Group, said industries have a responsibility that goes beyond manufacturing to protecting the environment.
He said closer cooperation among the government, industries and other stakeholders is needed to promote the responsible use, collection and recycling of plastics, adding that such discussions help identify practical solutions and support long-term initiatives.
The session was moderated by Razinara Begum, director (Waste and Chemicals Management) at the Department of Environment.
Senior DoE officials, including Directors Khaled Hasan, A.K.M. Rafiqul Islam, Md. Hasan Hasibur Rahman and Md. Sadikul Islam, as well as Deputy Director Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, attended the event.
Representatives from Dhaka South City Corporation, Gazipur City Corporation, the University of Dhaka, BUET, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), BPCL, UNDP, BRAC, Waste Concern, Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance, Unilever, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, and the plastic recycling industry also participated in the roundtable.