CHATTOGRAM, Oct 17, 2025 (BSS) - Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain today urged residents to eliminate the use of polythene and plastic to permanently resolve the city's recurring waterlogging problem.

"People are now receiving medical treatment and daily necessities in exchange for discarded plastic. A recycling campaign targeting 200,000 kilograms of plastic waste has begun at Government Girls' High School in Madarbari Ward through a joint initiative by Bidyananda Foundation and the Chattogram City Corporation," he said.

The mayor made these remarks while inaugurating the initiative as the chief guest at the event. 

He said plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to Chattogram's environment and called for united efforts to combat it.

"To reduce the use of single-use plastic and create public awareness, a six-month plastic return shop program has been launched in partnership with the Bidyananda Foundation. The initiative will run on a voluntary basis," Dr. Shahadat added.

Under the program, people can exchange discarded plastic for essential goods, while plastic collectors receive free medical treatment. 

Since September last year, two organizations have already recycled 100,000 kilograms of plastic, with plans to double that amount through the new phase of the initiative.

Today, about 1,000 families exchanged plastic for groceries at a supershop, and around 500 people received medical care by depositing plastic waste.

To further promote environmental awareness, a public art exhibition using recycled plastic sculptures will be held at Patenga Beach, expected to attract nearly one million visitors.

Md. Jamal Uddin, Board Director of the Bidyananda Foundation, said plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. 

He stressed the need to protect nature and wildlife from the harmful effects of plastic waste and called for joint efforts to build a cleaner, more sustainable world.

A partnership has also been formed with a leading local recycling company to process all collected plastic from the campaign. A large "plastic sculpture" made from the collected materials will be installed at Patenga Beach to further raise public awareness.

City Corporation officials, members of the Bidyananda Foundation and local dignitaries were present at the event.