A day-long ‘Plastic Exchange’ programme was held in Cox’s Bazar town on Monday. Photo: BSS

 
COX’S BAZAR, Oct 27, 2025 (BSS) - A day-long ‘Plastic Exchange’ programme was held in Cox’s Bazar town on Monday to combat marine plastic pollution, where 500 marginal families from sea beach area received food items worth Taka 3 lakh in exchange of discarded plastic.
 
The initiative, launched by the Bidyananda Foundation with support from the Cox’s Bazar District Administration, aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote recycling while supporting underprivileged families.
 
Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan inaugurated the programmme as the chief guest at Coastal Samiti Para in Cox’s Bazar town at 11 am.
 
Under the exchange scheme, participants received 19 types of food items, including rice, lentils, eggs, and cooking oil, depending on the amount of plastic they submitted. For instance, 6 eggs were given for 1 kg of plastic, 1 kg of rice for 1 kg of plastic, 1 liter of oil for 5 kg of plastic, and 1 kg of lentils for 2 kg of plastic.
 
Organizers said all the collected plastic would be recycled by the Bidyananda Foundation, contributing to a cleaner coastal environment.
 
Speaking at the inauguration, DC Abdul Mannan said, “The district administration and Bidyananda Foundation are working hand in hand to protect Cox’s Bazar’s biodiversity and environment from plastic pollution. This initiative not only helps the environment but also supports marginalized families with essential food supplies. Such efforts deserve appreciation.”
 
Jamal Uddin, Director of Bidyananda Foundation, said the organization has been running the programmme since 2022 with the goal of collecting and recycling 2 lakh kg of marine plastic within four months each year in Cox’s Bazar and St. Martin’s Island.

“So far, we have already collected 27,000 kg of waste plastic this season. Since 2022, more than 3 lakh kg of plastic has been collected and recycled entirely on a voluntary basis,” he added.
 
Beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the initiative, saying they had been collecting abandoned plastic from the seashore for a week after hearing announcements about the event.

Many said the food items they received would provide much-needed support amid rising market prices.

Organizers hope that initiatives like the ‘Plastic Exchange’ programme will inspire communities to participate in waste management efforts and help protect the marine ecosystem of Cox’s Bazar.