We should go to the sources of plastic for real solution: M Zakir Hossain Khan

The world is observing Environment Day today (5 June). Bangladesh's theme for the day this year is "Say no to plastic pollution – it is time to act."

Every year, Bangladesh observes this day in solidarity with the global community. However, this year the official observance in Bangladesh will take place on 25 June, due to the Eid-ul-Azha holiday.

The Business Standard spoke with M Zakir Hossain Khan about the significance of the day and what Bangladesh should really do to protect the environment, biodiversity and nature.

Zakir Hossain Khan is an expert on environment and climate change and the founder and chief executive of Change Initiative.

He recently published a book titled "Sovereignty for Nature, Survival for All" which provides guiding principles on how to protect nature. Here is his interview:

The theme of this year's Environment Day is 'Plastic Pollution'. What is the solution of plastic pollution?

The theme for Environment Day 2025 is plastic pollution. While numerous efforts have been made to reduce plastic pollution, the problem persists. One core issue is that actions are focused on visible symptoms rather than the root causes.

Producers of single-use plastics often escape accountability, remaining outside the purview of enforcement. Efforts typically target consumers and market-level behavior, but that alone is not enough.

A more effective approach would involve penalising companies that manufacture harmful plastics, including banning them from government contracts.

Additionally, a real-time monitoring system is essential to track the sources and destinations of plastic waste.

Unfortunately, the Department of Environment (DoE) lacks such a system—not just for plastic, but also for other pollution such as air and water pollution.

Engaging young people through mobile apps and digital tools could offer an innovative solution. With real-time pollution reporting including images and videos submitted to a central server, authorities could impose financial penalties swiftly.

This would also allow monitoring by community-based groups such as undergraduate students. However, such solutions remain underutilized, partly due to the DoE's limited presence across districts.

Our study shows that with an annual investment of Tk 50–75 crore, nearly 100% of pollution incidents could be monitored effectively. The challenge lies more in mindset than in means.

Moreover, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and community-driven models must play a role. Instead of relying solely on department-led solutions, a community-based circular economy approach is key. Communities should be empowered to manage their own waste sustainably.

Without such structural changes, annual observances like Environment Day becoming routine events without lasting impact. What is needed is a true paradigm shift.

What are policy gaps and structural challenges?

I always say Bangladesh is a land of laws and policies. The real issue lies in enforcement. Currently, the DoE plays both regulatory and implementation roles, which creates a conflict of interest. For effective governance, these functions should be separated, one body should regulate, while another implements solution.

Moreover, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change must adopt a "natural rights" framework. Pollution often stems from sectors beyond the ministry's controls such as Road- transport and highways and industry.

These sectors must be held accountable when their affiliated companies pollute. Without a system-wide framework and genuine political will, change will remain elusive.

Though this is a transitional government, it could still introduce a foundational framework for pollution tracking and intergenerational justice. That would be a lasting contribution for future elected government.

How should crimes against nature be addressed?

Environmental destruction should be treated with the seriousness of crimes against humanity. The International Court of Justice recognized in 2016 that state-sponsored degradation of ecosystems constitutes a crime against humanity. Bangladesh should align its judicial system with this principle and recognize crimes against nature as deserving of the highest penalties both physical and financial.

Bangladesh has already made some progress, such as the Supreme Court declaring rivers as living entities. Recognizing nature's legal rights and integrating them into governance systems would represent a foundational shift in environmental justice.

What does "Sovereignty for Nature" mean?

"Sovereignty for Nature" is the acknowledgment that nature has intrinsic rights and functions independent of human involvement. While human survival depends entirely on nature, natural systems oceans, forests and the Earth itself operate under their own rules.

Today's development models are based on limited understanding humans have barely scratched the surface of the planet's complexities. As a result, many development initiatives unintentionally cause irreversible harm. Real progress must respect and align with natural systems, not override them.

Why do you think our idea of progress often ends up hurting nature—and how can we start rethinking that?

Our idea of progress is linear, extractive and growth-first. It often sacrifices nature to build infrastructure or increase output without asking what the long-term costs are. We build bridges but kill rivers. We plant trees for show but destroy ancient forests.

We need to redefine development itself. True progress should involve preserving nature oxygen, water, biodiversity as much as building roads or cities. We must also consider the "opportunity cost of pollution" the rise in chronic diseases, IQ decline and shortened lifespans caused by environmental degradation. Sustainable development must nurture both the body and the soul, and integrate ecological health as a central measure of prosperity.

If we were to build a system that truly puts nature first, what would that actually look like in real life?

It starts by granting nature legal rights as has already happened in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia and New Zealand. Recognizing rivers, forests and ecosystems as living entities with rights in national constitutions is the first step.

From there, governance must shift to what I call naturalised governance—a system that respects ecological boundaries, prioritises regeneration and applies natural law principles. At a global level, we need a Universal Declaration of Natural Rights, endorsed not just by states, but by all nations, including Indigenous and local communities. The judiciary must also evolve so that crimes against nature are treated with the same seriousness as crimes against humanity.

How important is local and Indigenous knowledge when it comes to protecting nature and building a more sustainable future?

It is absolutely essential. Indigenous and local communities have thousands of years of experience living in harmony with natural systems. They know how the tides flow, how the soil behaves, when the rains will come not through satellites or apps, but through lived experience.

Modern science spends billions trying to understand what these communities already know. If we ignore their wisdom, we repeat the same mistakes. For example, in the Amazon, Indigenous practices have sustained ecosystems for millennia, while civilizations like the Inca collapsed after moving away from nature. Only through Indigenous stewardship can we achieve true sustainability.

What are some real things people—or even governments—can start doing now to live more in harmony with nature, like the book talks about?

Governments need to recognize nature's rights and embed ecological education into school systems not just theory, but real-life experiences in forests, rivers and wetlands.

Empowering communities. Shift from "community participation" to "community ownership" of natural resources. Locals must have control over conservation, as they are the true right-bearers of the land.