Environment adviser calls for urgent reform in waste management

Bangladesh must urgently reform its waste management system to address environmental challenges and reduce methane emissions, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The environment adviser said this while speaking as the chief guest joining virtually from Chittagong in an online consultation workshop on “Revisiting Bangladesh’s NDC 2021: Integrating Decentralized Waste Management and Methane Mitigation Strategies”, organized by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) on Monday.

In her address, the environment adviser highlighted the country's inefficient waste management practices, stressing that, despite pilot initiatives, large-scale segregation remains absent.

"We have not been managing our waste very efficiently. It is hardly structured. While there are some pilot projects, at the national level, we do not practice segregation," she said.

She announced plans to collaborate with city corporations and local government agencies to initiate waste segregation programs in identified areas.

"On this World Environment Day, I plan to work with local authorities to launch a segregation program. Our major urban landfills are designated, but they are neither environmentally certified nor well-managed. This is a serious concern," she emphasized.

The adviser warned that unregulated waste disposal, particularly outside the capital, has led to environmental degradation.

She recounted a recent discussion with a local government agency, urging them to stop waste dumping near a national park.

"This shows how bad the situation is. It is high time we focused on fundamental waste management reforms," she said.

Addressing the risks posed by landfill fires, she acknowledged the growing interest in waste-to-energy projects but cautioned against over-reliance on incineration.

"Our waste has a high moisture content, making incineration less feasible. We need site-specific solutions to address landfill issues like those in Amin Bazar and Matuail," she noted.

She reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to integrating waste management into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions.

"Segregation is key, and we must resist quick-fix solutions that appear magical but are not sustainable," she added.

Climate Expert Professor Dr Ainun Nishat, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Kamruzzaman, ESDO President Syed Marghub Murshed, ESDO CEO and Executive Director Siddika Sultana also attended the occasion, among others.

The workshop brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to explore practical strategies for decentralized waste management and methane mitigation in Bangladesh.