Each day, 18 transboundary rivers in Bangladesh carry approximately 15,345 tons of single-use plastic waste. 2802 tons, which originate from India and Myanmar. 2519 tons come from India and 284 tons from Myanmar. According to an ESDO study, nearly half a million tons of single-use plastic waste enter our Bay of Bengal every year.

A dialogue was conducted at a Dhaka hotel on Sunday to reveal the study results. The study was conducted by Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO in collaboration with the Plastic Solutions Fund and the Global Alliance of Incineration Alternatives (GAIA). This study aims to increase regional collaboration for reducing transboundary movement of hazardous plastic waste and advocate with government and regulators to advance policy decisions.

The transboundary rivers of Bangladesh which were assessed for this study are, in the case of upstream Mahananda, Dahuk, Karatoya, Tista, Dharla, Dudhkumar, Brahmaputra, Surma, Kushiyara; in the case of midstream Ganges, and in case of downstreamIchamati-Kalindi,andNaf.

To conduct the study, baseline surveys had been conducted through questionnaires and carried out from December 2020 to July 2022 on a total of 7020 people from different societies like educated people, students, boatmen, fishermen, shopkeepers etc.where around 11,700 samples of single-use plastic waste were collected from transboundary streams and surrounding bank areas. A set of structured questionnaires was formed to ensure getting all relevant data from the targeted segment.

Plastic pollution in our aquatic systems, especially through transboundary movement, was the focus of the study, according to the study team leader, Dr Shahriar Hossain. It is intended to assist in making decisions related to riverine ecosystem conservation in Bangladesh, he said.

According to the Executive Director of ESDO Ms, Siddika Sultana, “’It is really concerning because Bangladesh is one of the most plastic-polluted countries in South Asia. Plastic has a significant environmental impact. All of these facts are well known, but the plastic pollution situation is worsening by the day in Bangladesh. Because it is a worldwide issue, the solution must be global as well.”

Syed Marghub Murshed, respected Chairperson of ESDO and former secretary of the government of Bangladesh. According to him, “Our water bodies have become a toxic pool of waste, contaminated by everything from drifting plastic packs to synthetic waste. It is high time we should step up and take responsibility for one of the most important resources of our country. Additionally, the upcoming plastic treaty will also help our cause”.

Dr. Mahfuzul Haque, Adjunct Faculty, Department of Sociology, BUP & Former Secretary, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh“It is not enough for the government alone to protect our rivers. We all need to come forward. Also, we need to discuss with all the countries from which the single-use plastics are floating for a proper solution.”

Dr Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of the National River Conservation Commission graced the event as chief guest. He stated that “Bangladesh is called a riverine country. But this river is now under threat. This terrible single-use plastic, which never decomposes, is responsible for the destruction of our rivers. We are hopeful that our government will definitely take appropriate action in this regard”