Fostering a shared vision for greener cities through horizontal learning and collaboration
Authored by: Md Mahfuj-ur Rahman – Project Manager- BRAC Urban Development Programme
“Seeing is believing.” BRAC has consistently adopted this philosophy, fostering a culture of cross-learning, shared experiences, and innovation across its teams and partners. BRAC believes that learning through practical exposure not only inspires replication of successful models but also ignites new ideas and partnerships that strengthen sustainable development efforts.
In this spirit, BRAC’s Plastic Recycling Facility at Mithachari, Ramu, the first of its kind, has become a living laboratory for learning and experimentation. Trial runs of the facility commenced in July 2025 under the PLEASE Project, implemented by SACEP and supported by the World Bank, with implementation support from UNOPS; to establish a sustainable plastic value chain in Cox’s Bazar.
BRAC’s open-door approach has turned the facility into a hub for cross-sectoral engagement. Since July 2025, more than 250 visitors from various organisations, including government departments, local government institutions (LGIs), city corporations, private sector representatives, research organisations, BRAC’s enterprises and several departments and international development partners, have visited the site. Each visit has brought fresh insights, helping to refine operations and foster collective ownership of the plastic recycling agenda.
On 18 October 2025, BRAC had the honour of hosting a high-level delegation from the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC), a team led by Dr. Abu Nasar Abdullah, Joint Secretary & Administrator, NCC. The delegation also included Mr. Zakir Hoassin, the CEO of NCC, Mr. Monirul Islam, Chief Town Planner, NCC, Mr. R.S. Sohel, Senior Vice President, Mr.. Abu Zafar, Vice President, Mr. Ahmedur Rahman, Director and Sohel Akthar, Director of NCCI, along with other local business leaders.
The team was welcomed to the Mithachari facility in Ramu, where they observed firsthand the process of collecting, segregating, and recycling single-use and low-value plastics into pellets and eco-friendly products. Mr R.S. Sohel, Senior Vice President of the Chamber, along with the delegation, expressed deep appreciation for BRAC’s innovation and operational transparency. They also conveyed keen interest in replicating this model in Narayanganj, one of Bangladesh’s most densely populated industrial cities, facing significant challenges in managing plastic waste. The environmentally friendly design of the facility, that generates sufficient daylight and air inside, attracts the attention of the visitors. Planted trees around the facility, installation of solar energy systems and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), etc., are also contributing to environmental conservation.
The visit was also joined by Mr. Obidul Islam, Programme Manager of the PLEASE Project (UNOPS Bangladesh), who emphasized the value of such horizontal learning exchanges in scaling sustainable solutions. The dialogue between BRAC, NCC, and UNOPS underscored how local governments, when empowered with proven models and technical insights, can accelerate circular economy practices and foster greener urban ecosystems.
The NCC delegation’s visit represents more than a single event; it symbolises a growing movement of peer-to-peer learning among local governments. City corporations and municipalities play a pivotal role in driving the sustainability agenda, particularly in waste management and environmental stewardship. By observing the operational and technical aspects of BRAC’s facility, NCC has gained practical insights into how circular business models can be integrated into local waste systems to reduce landfill burden, create jobs, and promote sustainable urban growth.
Such learning exchanges also open doors for public–private partnerships (PPP) and policy alignment. Replicating BRAC’s recycling model in urban centres like Narayanganj can transform waste management systems across Bangladesh, especially if city authorities, private investors, and social enterprises collaborate in financing, infrastructure development, and market linkages for recycled products.
As BRAC continues to refine its research and development, it remains committed to embracing new ideas and working closely with government and private partners. The organisation envisions that through horizontal learning and collaborative innovation, Bangladesh can create a scalable and sustainable plastic recycling industry, turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
The Narayanganj City Corporation’s visit marks a meaningful step toward the replication and scale-up of green infrastructure across cities. With technical cooperation, investment, and shared learning, such facilities can be established in multiple regions, creating an interconnected network of circular economy hubs.
By linking innovation, local governance, and community participation, Bangladesh can not only address its mounting plastic waste crisis but also pave the way for a resilient and inclusive green future.
BRAC welcomes continued dialogue and cooperation with local governments, development partners, and the private sector to translate these insights into scalable actions, ensuring that every city becomes a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable place for its citizens.
