Dhaka's waste crisis sparks urgent call for reform at public hearing

Dhaka has been ranked the world's third least liveable city in the Global Liveability Index, with poor waste management identified as a major contributing factor. Garbage clogging waterbodies continues to worsen flooding and pollution, severely disrupting urban life.

At a public hearing held today (29 July), titled "Proper Waste Management for Environmental Rights" and organized by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), speakers raised urgent concerns and proposed policy reforms to tackle environmental degradation in urban areas.

They cited rapid population growth, unplanned urbanization, inefficient waste systems, undervalued sanitation workers, and widespread public apathy as key drivers of the crisis.

BELA's Chief Executive, Taslima Islam, said, "Dhaka's waste crisis demands immediate and effective intervention; this is the time to act."

Speaking at the event, DNCC Mayor Mohammad Azaz proposed two key strategies: clear policy guidance and a realistic action plan. "Waste segregation is vital. But people resist Secondary Transfer Stations (STS) near their homes, and our landfills are outdated and poorly managed," he said.

He also urged support for private initiatives to develop waste parks and expand the waste management industry. Azaz emphasised the need for a dedicated police force under the city corporations to enforce compliance.

DNCC cleaner Mohammad Ali Hossain voiced his frustration: "Rain or storm, we work daily, but people litter everywhere. With open drains and broken covers, garbage flows straight into the canals."

Highlighting mismanagement in cleaning staff deployment, Prism Bangladesh chief Capt. Rakib Uddin Bhuiyan said, "Only 40 out of 100 workers are actually doing their jobs; the rest are politically appointed and neglected."

Speakers identified key legal shortcomings, noting that the Environment Protection Act 1995 does not adequately address solid waste, while the City Corporation Act 2009 outlines responsibilities without specifying enforcement mechanisms.

Maruf Maymin, Assistant Director at the Department of Environment, noted that the 2021 Solid Waste Management Rules also lack clarity, resulting in weak implementation. "Loopholes in the law and staff shortages are major barriers," she said.

Soil scientist Jasim Uddin proposed integrating waste education into school and college curricula to build long-term public awareness.

DNCC Chief Urban Planner SM Shafiqul Rahman said, "We've initiated a waste-to-energy project that could bring significant improvements if properly implemented."

DSCC representative Mahbubur Alam added, "A new 81-acre site has been secured for waste separation, but without public awareness, the impact will remain limited."

Key recommendations from the hearing included: strong political commitment, company-specific waste management systems, legal enforcement, protection and dignity for cleaners, community participation, gender inclusivity, investment in waste-to-energy initiatives, and the use of social media for public complaints.

The hearing also highlighted systemic challenges, including weak enforcement, poor coordination among stakeholders, lack of integration between formal and informal actors, minimal accountability, and the absence of incentives for waste separation or recycling.

Participants included affected residents, government officials, city authorities, cleaners, urban planners, environmentalists, academics, and members of civil society.