DoE-UNIDO conducts university-based plastic waste management training workshop
As part of the ongoing plastic waste clean-up initiative, the Department of Environment (DoE) and UNIDO organised a Sustainable Plastic Waste Management Training Workshop today at the Senate Hall of Dhaka University (DU).
The day-long workshop, divided into four sessions, engaged students from DU, BUET, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), and environmental volunteers. Professor. Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, PhD, was the Chief Guest.
The workshop was presided over by Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, DU's Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic). Distinguished guests included Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, National Project Director, DoE; Professor Dr Ridhwanul Haq, IBA, DU; Dr Zaki Uz Zaman, Country Representative, UNIDO Bangladesh; S M Arafat, National Expert, UNIDO Bangladesh; Dr Kamruzzaman, ndc, Director General, DoE; Dr Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Prof. Dr. Ijaz Hossain, BUET; Sumaiya Tabassum Ahmed, Head of Sustainability, Pran-RFL Group; Dr AHM Mustafa Kamal, Provost, Dr. Fazle Rabbi Hall, DMCH; Dr Mafizur Rahman, Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET; Kazi Sumon, Deputy Project Director, DoE; and participating students from DU, BUET, and DMCH.
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In his address, Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable plastic waste management practices through the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. He assured the DU authorities that he would cooperate fully in maintaining a green and clean campus, highlighting that environmental responsibility is critical for the survival of future generations.
In her keynote speech, Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary, MoEFCC, stressed that the government and local bodies alone cannot tackle the growing plastic waste crisis due to their limited capacities. She called for collective action, particularly from young students and volunteers, to address the environmental hazards posed by plastic pollution.
Dr Abdullah Al Mamun, Project Director at DoE, highlighted DU's historical and socio-cultural significance and urged everyone to balance the campus's openness with the responsibility of keeping it free from plastic waste.
Dr Zaki Uz Zaman, Country Representative, UNIDO Bangladesh, underscored that while Bangladesh enjoys the benefits of a youthful population, true development requires both economic progress and environmental responsibility. He noted that safeguarding the environment must remain a priority as Bangladesh moves towards middle-income status by 2026.
Dr Kamruzzaman, ndc, Director General, DoE, shared that only 60% of plastic waste in Bangladesh is currently recycled, leaving the remaining 40% to pollute water bodies and the environment.
Professor Dr Ridhwanul Haq emphasized that universities must educate students academically and nurture them to become responsible citizens who contribute to building a sustainable future.
During the third session, S M Arafat, National Expert, UNIDO Bangladesh, elaborated on the objectives of the "Integrated Approach Towards Sustainable Plastic Use and Marine Littering in Bangladesh" project. He highlighted that engaging students in environmental awareness activities, such as this training, is essential for driving behavioural change. He also referenced the successful engagement of 20 educational institutions in Cox's Bazar under the project and recommended its nationwide replication.
Professor Dr Ijaz Hossain, a renowned chemical engineer and former BUET faculty member, shared insights on the dangers of plastic waste, particularly the harmful impacts of nano-plastics, which pose even greater risks than microplastics.
Sumaiya Tabassum Ahmed, Head of Sustainability at Pran-RFL Group, noted society's increasing dependence on plastics and stressed the importance of sustainable plastic waste management. She advocated for the continuous practice of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste hile actively working to eliminate single-use plastics and polythene.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of DU, calling upon university students to take the lead in creating a plastic waste-free, green, and clean campus, while extending this commitment to surrounding communities.
