Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian has urged entrepreneurs to capitalise on growing public interest in plastic waste collection to develop a major recycling industry while protecting the environment and public health.
He made the call at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the district administration and YPSA Waste Management Enterprise at the deputy commissioner’s conference room on Monday.
Under the one-year agreement, YPSA will regularly collect, sort and recycle plastic waste deposited by visitors at Chattogram Zoo using environmentally sound methods. No money will be exchanged between the district administration and the enterprise under the arrangement.
Launched in September to raise awareness about plastic pollution, the initiative allows students under the age of 18 to enter the zoo free of charge by depositing 100 grammes of used plastic instead of paying the standard Tk70 entrance fee. More than 400 students have already visited the zoo for free under the scheme.
The deputy commissioner said the initiative had prompted people from various areas to contact him about plastic waste collection and potential recycling opportunities. However, he identified a shortage of recycling enterprises as an ongoing challenge.
“If everyone collects plastic waste, I believe this could become a major industry,” he said.
Highlighting the initiative’s educational purpose, Zahid said that although many students could afford the entrance fee, collecting plastic encouraged them to reflect on its harmful effects on society and the environment, helping instil a sense of environmental responsibility in children. He added that while the MoU was modest in scope, its potential impact could be significant.
Acknowledging the practical challenges of completely eliminating plastic use, the deputy commissioner called for proper waste management, recycling and safe disposal, alongside greater use of natural materials such as jute. He also urged private sector companies to expand similar initiatives beyond the zoo to encourage wider public participation in plastic waste management.
Outlining plans to improve the zoo, Zahid announced an initiative to plant around 150 coconut saplings to make the premises greener. He also noted that recent animal exchange programmes had enriched the zoo’s collection, which includes white tigers and various other species.
Encouraging students to visit the zoo, the deputy commissioner said it offered children an opportunity to learn about wildlife and biodiversity while spending time away from mobile phone screens. He also sought media support to convey the message to parents and students.
The MoU was signed by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Pathan Md Saiduzzaman, who is also vice-president of the zoo’s executive committee, on behalf of the district administration, and YPSA Director (Finance) Palash Kumar Chowdhury on behalf of the enterprise.
Additional Deputy Commissioners Md Sharif Uddin, Md Kamruzzaman and Sakhawat Jamil Saikat, along with officials from the district administration and YPSA, attended the signing ceremony.
