C T Online Desk: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), launched the Plastics Circularity Project in Chattogram on Monday.
This initiative aims to transform the way plastic waste is managed, turning it from an environmental hazard into a valuable resource that supports jobs, reduces pollution, and protects ecosystems, read a press release.
Bangladesh produces over 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in rivers and seas. In Chattogram, significant volumes of plastic flow into the Karnaphuli River and ultimately the Bay of Bengal, posing threats to fisheries, biodiversity, and public health.
The project will be implemented in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Tangail (till October 2027). Its goal is to collect and recycle 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste while directly supporting 2,000 waste workers, including 600 women, with safer jobs, skills development, and improved livelihoods.
Attending as a chief guest of the event, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain said, “This inception is an important milestone for Chattogram. Every day, our city collects around 3,000 tonnes of waste, much of it plastic that ends up in the Karnaphuli River and the Bay of Bengal.
“Through this partnership, we are turning this challenge into an opportunity—strengthening recycling, protecting our environment, and creating safer and better livelihoods for our waste workers, especially women,” he said.
Sarder M Asaduzzaman, assistant resident representative, UNDP Bangladesh, said, “Plastics should no longer be seen as waste but as a valuable resource. With this project, we aim to recover and recycle 15,000 tonnes of plastic while supporting 2,000 workers with new skills, safer conditions, and improved opportunities.
“Together with the City Corporation and partners, UNDP is committed to building a cleaner and more inclusive Chattogram, where innovation turns plastic pollution into pathways for green growth.”
Md Ashraful Amin, CEO (in-charge) and secretary, Chattogram City Corporation, said, “This project goes beyond waste management—it is about building a circular economy. By investing in recycling systems, supporting local enterprises, and engaging citizens, we are ensuring that plastics re-enter the economy as assets, not pollutants. It is a shared pledge to keep our rivers, seas, and neighbourhoods clean, and to move towards a greener and more sustainable Chattogram.”
The inception meeting brought together senior officials from government agencies, private sector actors, women’s rights organisations, academia, waste workers’ associations, and development partners.
Participants emphasised that advancing plastic circularity requires robust local partnerships, gender-responsive policies, and investment in green enterprises, read the release.
Supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, UNDP and Chattogram City Corporation reaffirmed their commitment to advancing circular solutions that protect ecosystems, empower women, and build a greener future.
