A UNDP Bangladesh campaign removed more than 1,168 kilograms of waste from Cox’s Bazar sea beach over three days, combining clean-up operations with public awareness to tackle post-Eid pollution, according to a press release.
The initiative, held from Monday to Wednesday under the Plastics Circularity Project, collected 173 bags of waste while directly engaging over 3,500 tourists and reaching more than 20,000 people daily through outreach activities.
The campaign was implemented with support from The Coca-Cola Foundation in collaboration with Cox’s Bazar District Administration, Cox’s Bazar Municipality, Tourist Police and the Beach Management Committee.
The programme was launched at Sugandha Beach Point, bringing together government officials, UNDP representatives, volunteers and local stakeholders.
“Cox’s Bazar is one of the country’s most valuable natural and economic assets. Keeping the beach clean requires collective action,” said Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan.
“For a tourism city like Cox’s Bazar, cleanliness is essential and lasting results depend on both systems and public awareness,” said Cox’s Bazar Municipality Administrator Md Shamim Al Imran.
Clean-up activities were carried out across Sugandha, Laboni and Kolatoli points, where volunteers, municipal teams and waste workers removed plastic and other disposable waste and engaged with tourists and vendors.
On the final day alone, teams collected 118 bags of waste weighing more than 835 kilograms from a one-kilometre stretch between Sugandha and Kolatoli.
The campaign also focused on behaviour change through direct engagement, awareness discussions, miking, placards, campaign videos and interactive installations including a 360-degree photobooth and selfie booth.
Volunteers conducted sessions with beachside vendors and businesses to promote proper waste disposal and responsible practices.
Youth participants also joined orientation and reflection sessions to strengthen their role as campaign ambassadors and promote personal responsibility in waste management.
To support longer-term waste management, volunteers installed 10 waste bins at Sugandha Beach and handed over another 20 bins to the Tourist Police for placement in key locations.
“UNDP Bangladesh is working with local authorities, private partners and communities to improve collection, recycling and responsible disposal,” said UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative Sarder M Asaduzzaman.
The campaign highlighted the role of coordinated action between public institutions, local authorities and communities in addressing plastic pollution and protecting coastal ecosystems.
Officials said the initiative aims to promote cleaner beaches and encourage responsible tourism through sustained awareness and improved waste management practices.
