The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) organized a policy dialogue on “Plastic Pollution Towards Plastic Treaty Negotiation” in order to highlight the urgent issue of plastic pollution and the necessity for global cooperation to overcome it on 30 August 2023.

Ecosystems, animals, and human health are all negatively impacted by plastic pollution, which has grown to be a serious environmental problem. Due to their short lifespan and widespread usage, single-use plastics in particular make a substantial contribution to this issue. To limit the usage and disposal of single-use plastics, environmental activists and specialists have been pushing for more sustainable alternatives and stronger laws.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, graced the event as the chief guest. Syed Marghub Murshed, the respected chairperson of ESDO and former Secretary of the Bangladesh Government chaired the policy dialogue. Dr. Mahfuzul Haque, Former Secretary of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and SK Rafiqul Islam, Chief Controller, Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports participated in this policy dialogue as the special guests. Among the guest speakers, Md. Selim Reza, Chief Executive Officer and Additional Secretary of Dhaka North City Corporation and Bangladesh Plastic Association’s President, Mr. Shamim Ahmed were also present at the event.

Respected board members of ESDO, academicians from different renowned universities, representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Local Government, BELA, Bondhu Foundation, Green Savers, students and green club member of ESDO from Lalmatia Girls High School and College and Lalmatia Housing Society School and College along with media representatives actively participated at this policy dialog event.