Alarming data on Bangladesh’s growing plastics consumption suggests it’s crucial to initiate an immediate and collective effort to combat plastic pollution in the country. According to a World Bank report, Bangladesh has seen a threefold growth in the amount of plastic consumed annually per person in urban areas over the past 15 years, rising to 9.0 kg in 2020 from just 3.0 kg in 2005. The consumption of LDPE packaging materials, including plastic bags, has increased fivefold, which is very alarming and highlights the urgent need to reevaluate our dependency on these environmentally hazardous materials. Only 31% of the 977,000 tons of plastic used in 2020 were recycled, leaving a significant amount mismanaged and contributing to environmental pollution.

Single-use plastics like shopping bags, plates, and cutleries are the most common polluters, as almost none of these are recycled. These pollutants damage our landscapes and waterways, posing a serious threat to biodiversity, ecosystems, and public health. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the plastic threat. Our plan should place a priority on promoting eco-friendly alternatives like jute bags, palm leaf plates, and birchwood cutleries, raising public awareness, and implementing legislative improvements. Every stakeholder—from individual citizens to the highest levels of government—needs to come together and take action to reduce the use of single-use plastics, establishing a green Bangladesh for future generations