Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser, has urged manufacturers to adopt responsible practices by producing durable electronic goods. She also discouraged consumers from discarding items prematurely due to fleeting trends.

The adviser was addressing a seminar titled "Formal E-Waste Management," held at the Westin hotel in Dhaka on International E-Waste Day.

The adviser said the government would implement the E-Waste Rules 2021, which will play an important role in e-waste management, calling all stakeholders to support the ministry by providing suggestions for the effective implementation of e-waste management policies.

Rizwana emphasized reducing waste as a primary solution, advocating for the promotion and regulation of the recycling industry.

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She highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive, nationwide e-waste management system involving government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and citizens.

The adviser warned that the informal handling of hazardous materials poses significant environmental and health risks.

Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and Sumon Ahmed Sabir, Chairperson of WEEE Society-Bangladesh, also spoke at the event.

Dr Md Shahinoor Islam of Buet presented a keynote paper titled "E-Waste Contains both Hazardous and Valuable Materials: Stakeholders' Role in Transforming These into Circular Economy."

The seminar gathered policymakers, environmental experts, and industry leaders to discuss challenges and solutions for managing e-waste in Bangladesh, emphasizing the dangers of informal recycling practices like open burning, which contribute to pollution and health hazards.