Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Monday said there is no alternative to a joint partnership between citizens and the city corporation to build a waste-free Dhaka.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme titled “Roundtable and Youth-Policy Dialogue on Accelerating Zero Waste in Dhaka,” organised by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) marking the International Day of Zero Waste 2026 at Nagar Bhaban.
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In his speech, the DSCC administrator outlined an effective roadmap for making the capital free from waste and proposed a “50–50 partnership model” between citizens and the city corporation to ensure successful waste management.
He said if citizens ensure awareness and responsible practices from their respective positions, half of the task will be accomplished, while the city corporation will carry out the remaining responsibilities, making it possible to build a completely waste-free city.
Abdus Salam said DSCC has already taken an initiative to establish a Dhaka Resource Circulation Park at the Matuail landfill as part of the prime minister’s “Clean City, Green City” vision.
He said the initiative will not only help transform waste into resources but also prevent environmental degradation caused by improper waste disposal.
Highlighting the need for greater public awareness, he said Bangladesh must develop a culture of source-level waste segregation and recycling, similar to practices in developed countries.
He also called upon social organisations like ESDO to organise regular workshops to raise public awareness and train waste collectors.
The International Day of Zero Waste is observed globally on March 30 under the initiatives of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, with this year’s theme focusing on reducing food waste.
Senior officials of DSCC and DNCC, along with students from various educational institutions and policymakers, attended the programme and discussed the future of waste management in Dhaka.