Chattogram city generates around 2,57,913 tonnes of plastic waste annually, but nearly 27%—some 70,833 tonnes—remains unmanaged, posing severe threats to the environment, marine biodiversity and public health, according to a new study.
Additionally, about 19,000 fishing boats and trawlers operating in Bangladesh’s coastal and marine zones use around 40,110 tonnes of plastic-based fishing gear and other materials annually. Of this, nearly 2,740 tonnes are left or abandoned at sea, adding to the growing crisis.
A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Chittagong (CU) revealed these findings as part of a study titled “Community-based Reduction of Plastic Pollution: Case of Circular Economy and Biodegradable Products in Bangladesh”. This study was conducted under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE), implemented by SACEP and supported by the World Bank and UNOPS. The research combined field visits, questionnaires, satellite data and GIS mapping to quantify plastic pollution sources, types and their impacts.
The study revealed that of the 2,57,913 tonnes of plastic waste produced across 41 wards of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), about 73%—roughly 187,079 tonnes—is collected and recycled by more than 20,500 workers and entrepreneurs. However, the unmanaged portions clog drains and canals, worsen waterlogging and ultimately flow into rivers and the Bay of Bengal.
The Chittagong Port Authority also reported layers of plastic and polythene waste—2 to 7 metres
deep—accumulated in riverbeds, complicating dredging operations.
As plastic waste breaks down, it turns into microplastics that enter the marine food chain through fish. These particles have been linked to cancer, hormonal disorders and infertility in humans.
Abandoned fishing nets, often referred to as “ghost nets,” continue to trap and kill marine animals, disrupting the coastal ecosystem.
The researchers also flagged the daily discharge of 1–3 billion microplastic particles into the Bay of Bengal via the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers.
Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Shah Nawaz Chowdhury of the Institute of Marine Science told the Daily Sun that to boost plastic waste collection capacity, training was provided to floating waste pickers, scrap dealers and Chattogram City Corporation workers. Personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, boots, and PPE suits, was also distributed free of cost.
He added that around 2,000 school students participated in awareness campaigns to educate communities about the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
To address the issue of abandoned fishing nets, local fishing communities were sensitised about their environmental impact. As a result, fishermen are now bringing used nets back to shore instead of discarding them at sea. These nets are being repurposed into decorative items, turning waste into resources.
“New entrepreneurs have also been trained to produce eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, creating opportunities for employment,” Dr Chowdhury said.
Following the training, they are now manufacturing biodegradable products such as paper-based pens and cups, and utensils made from areca leaves, including bowls and spoons. So far, nearly 20,000 of these eco-friendly cutlery items have been distributed across supermarkets, food courts, and tourist spots in Chattogram, he added.
Lead researcher Prof Dr M Shahadat Hossain of the Institute of Marine Science said, “This research aims to show that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but also a social and economic one. With proper planning and community engagement, the crisis can be turned into an opportunity.”
