Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, has said that without the imposition of fines, the country’s waste management challenges cannot be effectively addressed.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the “Keep Clean – Chattogram City” Awareness Campaign 2025 at Chittagong Independent University on Monday.

The event was jointly organised by Chittagong Independent University (CIU), Youngone Corporation, and Korean EPZ, in collaboration with Chattogram City Corporation.

Taiyeb said authorities are working in line with the "3Rs" — Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. “We can use two-colour bin bags to manage waste properly. If one is used for biodegradable waste and the other for non-biodegradable, disposal becomes easier.”

“A fine should be imposed on those who do not follow this system. Without fines, effective waste management will not be achieved,” he said.

He further emphasised the urgent need to begin producing fertiliser and electricity from waste, describing it as a timely and sustainable solution.

Highlighting the role of citizens, he said awareness, participation, and collective efforts are essential to building a clean city.

He also urged the younger generation to take a leading role in raising awareness among city residents and actively contribute to maintaining urban cleanliness and environmental protection.

Taiyeb also expressed his gratitude to city residents, civil society, students, teachers, and the city administration for taking effective steps to address the issue of waterlogging in Chattogram.

Speaking at the event, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain said there is no alternative to joint efforts for building a modern and healthy Chattogram. “Urban planning is essential to developing a well-organised city,” he added.

Chairman and CEO of Yongwon Corporation and Korean EPZ, Kihak Sung, said, “We want to make this city clean and beautiful, and that is why we support this campaign. Our 60,000 employees will cooperate in this effort.”

Chittagong Independent University Vice-Chancellor Professor M. M. Nurul Absar presided over the programme, which was attended by Lutfe M. Ayub, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees; Syed Mahmudul Haque, editor of Daily Azadi; MA Malek, chairman of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA); Engineer Md Nurul Karim; and teachers and students from various schools and CIU.