The Department of Environment has launched cleanliness and awareness campaigns across several locations in Barishal Division, including Kuakata Beach, as part of a directive from Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan to clean up Saint Martin’s Island, Cox’s Bazar beach, and Kuakata.

As part of the initiative, 323 kg of plastic waste was collected from a 6-kilometre stretch of Kuakata Beach. The waste included food wrappers, polythene, single-use plastics, bottles, cigarette packets, fishing nets, cosmetic items, and e-waste.

In addition to the cleanup efforts, awareness programs were held at various institutions, including Barisal Zilla School, Barisal Sadar Girls' School, Chand Pasha High School in Babuganj, Karapur Dakhil Women’s Madrasa, Patuakhali Government Jubilee High School, Barisal University, and schools and madrasas near Kuakata. Similar campaigns were organized in markets across Barisal, Barguna, and Patuakhali, with active participation from students and the public.

The cleanliness drive was supported by Ashikur Rahman Shome of the Ministry of Environment, Mohammad Asaduzzaman from the Department of Environment in Patuakhali, students from Dhaka University, and members of CEGIS.

Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment, highlighted that beaches are being increasingly polluted due to unsustainable tourism practices.

He emphasized that necessary measures would be taken to address the issue and urged the public to avoid littering with plastics and to help maintain the cleanliness of beaches and tourist spots.