The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and Chattogram City Corporation jointly organised a day-long awareness campaign today (31 October) at Patenga Beach, urging citizens to take collective responsibility in reducing single-use plastic and preventing marine pollution.
City residents, development partners, and local communities gathered to express their commitment to protecting Patenga and building sustainable habits for a cleaner future.
Speaking as chief guest, Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain said, “Patenga is one of the most beautiful coastal areas of our country, but plastic pollution is threatening its charm and marine life.
“This initiative aims to foster a culture of responsibility, where every resident takes part in keeping the beaches clean and the sea healthy,” he added.
UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative Sarder M Asaduzzaman highlighted the importance of protecting Patenga’s fragile ecosystem.
He said, “Patenga is not just a beach—it is the pride of Chattogram. But every day, tonnes of plastic waste end up here, harming marine species, public health, and livelihoods. This is a call for everyone to act together.”
Bangladesh produces around 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, with Chattogram city alone generating nearly 3,000 tonnes monthly. A large share of this waste flows through canals and rivers into the Bay of Bengal, posing a severe threat to marine biodiversity and coastal communities.
As part of the campaign, volunteers and youth groups organised beach clean-up drives, distributed reusable alternatives to plastic, and set up educational signboards promoting sustainable practices. Interactive exhibits demonstrated how plastic waste affects marine ecosystems and why responsible consumption matters.
Students from local schools, colleges, universities, and community organisations took part in the event, pledging to reduce plastic use and spread awareness in their neighbourhoods.
The programme is part of UNDP Bangladesh’s “Plastic Circularity Project”, implemented with support from the Coca-Cola Foundation.
The project aims to recover and sustainably manage 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Tangail—turning discarded plastic into reusable resources instead of pollution.