The Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management (JSMCWM) hosted the Bangladesh Solid Waste Management Seminar 2024 in collaboration with the Environmental Engineers Limited (EEL) and BRAC University on December 5th, 2024. The one-day seminar, held at the BRAC University Conference Room, brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Bangladesh to discuss the current state of solid waste management (SWM) in the country and explore strategies for improvement.

The event was divided into two parts – the first focused on SWM issues and developments in Dhaka, while the second part covered SWM challenges and initiatives in other cities and regions of Bangladesh.

Key speakers included Mr. Akio Ishii from JSMCWM, who provided an overview of leverage points for SWM projects, and representatives from the Dhaka North and South City Corporations – Mr. Bengir Ahmed and Mr. Shafikul Islam – who shared insights on the ward-based decentralized approach to SWM in the capital. Other notable presentations were made by Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus at BRAC University, on the linkages between environment, climate change, and SWM, and Mr. Md. Abdus Sattar, the Project Director of the Southern Chattogram Regional Development Project (SCRDP), who discussed the future vision for SWM in Bangladesh’s upazilas and paurashavas (sub-district and municipal governments).

Mr. Hideki Osawa from the Bangladesh office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), who discussed JICA’s support and development of SWM, and Dr. Tariq Bin Yousuf, who presented on the interventions, approach, and issues of the Urban Development and City Governance Project (UDCGP). Mr. Shoriful Alam and Arif Mahatub also presented on the issues of SWM in upazilas and paurashavas as part of the SCRDP.

The seminar provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborations among the participants, with the ultimate goal of improving solid waste management practices across Bangladesh. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Moushumi Zahur, Assistant Professor at the MNS department of BRAC University.