Bangladesh has urged the international community to adopt a decisive and ambitious global treaty to end plastic pollution, stressing that delay in negotiations will only deepen the global environmental crisis.
“Bangladesh has lived the reality of plastic pollution for decades—from clogged waterways to poisoned soils and disrupted food chains,” said Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
She was addressing at the High-Level Ministerial of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held Wednesday in Nairobi, Kenya, according to a message received here today.
She added, “We were the first country to ban thin plastic bags, and that experience taught us something clear: ambition works when it is backed by strong policy and genuine public commitment.”
Dr. Farhina noted that Bangladesh’s national efforts are now aligned with its global advocacy.
“Our work today builds on that legacy. We are pushing for a global plastic treaty that addresses pollution across the entire life cycle—production, chemicals, waste management, and justice for vulnerable communities,” she stated.
The environment secretary emphasised that fragmented national actions are no longer enough.
“The global plastic treaty is our best chance to transform isolated efforts into a coherent, enforceable international system. We need a treaty that cuts plastic production, regulates toxic additives, and ensures a just transition for workers and communities,” she said.
Calling for faster progress in the negotiation process, she warned that procedural delays come at a high cost.
“To get there, countries must accelerate negotiations—fewer delays, clearer draft text, and genuine political resolve. Every round we lose to procedural debates is another year of unchecked pollution. The world cannot afford that, and neither can Bangladesh.”
Dr. Farhina Ahmed reiterated that Bangladesh’s position is shaped by its lived experience and its commitment to safeguarding people, rivers, ecosystems, and future generations.
Md. Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, attended the meeting as a member of the Bangladesh delegation.
They also attended another session titled “Toxic skin bleaching: A growing global health threat.”
Source : BSS