The Bidyanondo Foundation and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) have launched a joint initiative to recycle 200,000 kg of discarded plastic on a voluntary basis to help protect the environment. Since September last year, 100,000 kg of plastic waste has already been recycled.
On Friday, the project’s next phase, titled “Plastic Return Shop”, was inaugurated with the goal of recycling an additional 100,000 kg of plastic. Unlike previous efforts that focused on hard plastic and bottles, the new campaign will collect all types of plastic, including polythene.
To promote environmental awareness, a large sculpture made from recycled plastic will be installed on Patenga Beach, with an aim to engage and educate around one million visitors.
Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, speaking at the launch event at Government Girls’ High School in Madarbari, declared plastic as the city's “number one enemy”. He emphasised collective responsibility and announced a six-month voluntary plastic return programme in partnership with the Bidyanondo Foundation.
So far, over 1,000 families have exchanged plastic for daily essentials, while 500 individuals have accessed medical consultations through the initiative.
Md Jamal Uddin, Board Director of Bidyanondo, described plastic as a major threat to the planet, especially for river-based nations like Bangladesh. He stressed the need for intelligent, united action and confirmed that a formal agreement has been signed with a national recycling company to process the collected waste fully.
