Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb. File photo

CHATTOGRAM, September 22 (BSS) - Chief Adviser's special assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb today said effective classification of waste, composite waste management, and the introduction of a penalty system alongside increased public participation are crucial for achieving a sustainable waste management solution and ensuring a cleaner society.

Faiz Ahmad made the remarks as the chief guest while addressing a program titled "Cleanliness Awareness Campaign-2025," jointly organized by Chittagong Independent University (CIU), Youngone Corporation, a South Korean industrial conglomerate and the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC). It took place at the CIU auditorium.

Focusing on the theme "Let's Keep Chattogram City Clean," CIU Vice-Chancellor Prof. M M Nurul Abser presided over the event. CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain attended as special guest.

In his speech, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb emphasized that proper waste and garbage management -- particularly in densely populated urban areas -- should be treated as a national priority. He stressed the importance of adhering to the three fundamental principles of sustainable waste management: reduce, reuse and recycle.

He underlined the need to classify waste primarily into two categories: perishable and non-perishable, adding that without this basic step, sustainable waste management would not be possible.

Praising Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus as a "global environment ambassador," Taiyeb linked the success of Yunus's "Three Zero" theory, particularly the goal of zero carbon emissions, to practical and long-term waste management solutions.

Describing Chattogram as a heritage and flagship city of the South Asian peninsula, he said, "This strategically important metropolis must not be allowed to become a dirty city, for the sake of national pride and attracting foreign investment."

Taiyeb also commended the people of Chattogram for supporting the interim government's initiatives to address persistent water-logging and urged for wider public involvement in development activities. He called on the CCC to strengthen revenue generation and introduce a penalty system for littering, to ensure civic discipline.

In his speech, CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain pointed out that bureaucratic delays in project approvals are obstructing crucial CCC efforts, particularly those related to garbage and drainage management.

He stressed, "With 56 canals and over 600 kilometers of drainage system, CCC alone cannot keep the city clean and free of water-logging without sufficient funding -- preferably in the form of grants rather than loans."

The mayor also highlighted ongoing CCC initiatives such as school-level health awareness programs and incentives for waste segregation, where citizens are rewarded for depositing solid and non-perishable waste.

Kihak Sung, Chairman and CEO of Korean Export Processing Zone, pledged support for the city's cleanliness programs. He noted that cleanliness is directly linked to public health, investment opportunities, and the national image.

Earlier, a colorful procession was brought out from the CIU campus, parading through Jamal Khan Road and Momin Road before returning to the venue.

CIU Board of Trustee Member Syed Mahmudul Haque delivered the welcome address. CIU Business School faculty member Prof. Mosleh Uddin Chowdhury Khaled presented the keynote paper.

Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Eng. Nourul Karim and Daily Azadi Editor M A Malek also spoke at the event.