For over two decades, Shamim Akter, Social Development Officer (SDO) of Cox’s Bazar Municipality, has been a driving force in strengthening governance and community development. Dedicated to ensuring that interventions align with local needs, she has played a crucial role in advancing sustainable waste management.
Among the initiatives she has championed, the PLEASE Project has had a significant impact, enhancing the municipality’s technical capacity to manage plastic waste. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Akter has actively engaged in ensuring that waste management is not just a municipal service but a shared community responsibility.
“The PLEASE Project is a time-worthy initiative, and the Cox’s Bazar Municipality is enhanced in terms of technical capacity by this partnership with BRAC,” she states.
Beyond policy-level coordination, Akter takes a hands-on approach. She frequently visits intervention sites, provides direct feedback, and advocates for behavioral change. She has also played a key role in the formation of a Ward Waste Management Committee in Ward 4, a community-driven initiative facilitated by the PLEASE Project. Her leadership has helped bridge the gap between policy implementation and grassroots action, ensuring that waste management is both effective and sustainable.
Akter also appreciates how the PLEASE Project integrates innovative waste disposal mechanisms, including communal bins, awareness campaigns, and community-driven clean-up drives. “The project is sharing the load of the municipality and innovatively managing the city’s waste,” she acknowledges.
Her commitment to fostering local ownership of such interventions sets an example for other municipalities across Bangladesh, demonstrating how collaborative governance can drive long-term sustainability.
As Cox’s Bazar continues its journey toward sustainable urban management, Akter’s leadership serves as a model of proactive governance. Her hands-on approach, dedication, and vision highlight the transformative power of local government engagement in creating lasting change.
Access the full case story to learn more about her impact and the innovative solutions driving change in Cox’s Bazar.
