Rizwana Urges Local Solutions for Waste Management

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday emphasized the urgent need for localised, sustainable approaches to waste management in Bangladesh, prioritizing proper segregation, recycling, and composting over waste-to-energy solutions.

“Segregation, recycling, and composting must come first. Only then should we consider waste-to-energy options,” she said during a meeting with a high-level Japanese delegation led by Yoneda Johichiro, Representative Director of the Chikyu Network Cooperative.

The meeting, held at Pani Bhaban in Dhaka, was also attended by Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed. Discussions focused on collaborative efforts in pollution control, sustainable waste practices, and knowledge exchange.

Rizwana, who also serves as Water Resources Adviser, underscored the importance of adopting environmentally sound and context-specific technologies. “The government is eager to implement sustainable models, but they must be safe, inclusive, and tailored to local needs,” she noted.

She welcomed Japan’s expertise, acknowledging the country’s global reputation for environmental innovation. “We are keen to learn how Japan maintains a clean environment and efficiently manages waste,” she said. “Your experience with waste-to-energy is valuable, but we must be cautious about its environmental impacts.”

Addressing concerns around public skepticism, Rizwana stressed the need for transparency and community engagement. “Many people are wary of government-led initiatives due to past shortcomings. Therefore, your proposals must ensure transparency, an effective collection system, and strong community involvement.”

The Japanese delegation expressed strong interest in partnering with Bangladesh on pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and modern waste solutions. Both sides agreed to explore avenues for technical cooperation in the near future.