Indiscriminate use of Single Use Plastic (SUP) products creates significant environmental hazards and health risks. In Bangladesh, production and application of Single Use Plastic (SUP) has dramatically increased in recent years and the associated environmental health impacts have also been significantly evident in each and every corners of the country. ESDO, the Environment and Social Development Organization, completed its second annual survey of plastic use in Bangladesh. In 2019, ESDO focused exclusively on single use plastics (SUP). The study aimed at analyzing Single Use Plastic waste generation scenario in Bangladesh and subsequently assessing the environmental and health impacts associated with it.

On 15 February, 2020 at Mymensingh City Corporation Auditorium, Mymensingh, an open forum was arranged by ESDO to aware the public about the hazardous impact of Single Use Plastic on human health and environment, to share the findings from ESDO’s study on Single Use Plastic and policy advocacy and to inform people about the alternatives of Single Use Plastic. About 85 people attended the open forum. The open forum was titled as “Single Use Plastic: Hidden Costs of Health and Environment”. The open forum aimed at ensuring the participation of different sectors of people to discuss the SUP ban issue.

Syed Marghub Murshed, Former Secretary of Bangladesh, Chairperson of ESDO graced the event as the Chief Guest. Md. Moklesur Rahman, Former Additional IGP, Bangladesh Police, Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General of ESDO, Siddika Sultana, Executive Director of ESDO was present as the Guests of honor in the particular event. Other team members of ESDO were also presented there. Apart from them, around 85 people from different sectors actively participated in the open forum.