DHAKA, Sept 30, 2024 (BSS) - Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, today called for coordinated efforts among South Asian nations to address the escalating plastic waste crisis. 

Speaking as the chief guest at a High-Level Discussion on "Plastic Waste Management Challenges and Solutions in South Asian Countries," she stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving sustainable production, effective waste management systems and public awareness to this end.

The meeting was held at a city hotel.

The environment adviser highlighted the growing threat of plastic pollution, noting that despite calls to reduce plastic usage, it is increasing, with microplastics now being consumed through food. 

She put emphasis on consumer awareness to reduce the use of harmful plastic products.

In response, she said, a decision has been made following discussions to replace polythene shopping bags in supermarkets and local markets with eco-friendly alternatives.

Besides, Rizwana said, efforts are underway to promote the widespread use of jute and jute-based products as a sustainable solution. 

Te damage, she said, caused by plastic pollution is irreversible and called for collective efforts to control trans-boundary plastic pollution.

Rokeya Khatun, Director General of SACEP; Gayle Martin, Operations Manager of the World Bank; Sudhir Muralidharan, UNOPS Country Manager for Bangladesh; Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh; and Tapan Kumar Biswas, Additional Secretary, also spoke at the event.

The meeting gathered policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from South Asia to explore regional cooperation, technology transfer, and policy alignment.

Participants discussed best practices, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration to address plastic waste and its environmental and health impacts.