Events

Library Inauguration at Rangpur

A new door of knowledge has opened for the children of Rangpur. The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) has opened a children’s library in Rangpur. On Saturday, August 6, the inauguration turned into a joyful gathering where children joined the ESDO family to celebrate the occasion. The library was...

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Collaborating for a Lead-Free Bangladesh!

We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent collaborative meeting with Instiglio and LEEP, where key stakeholders—including representatives from the Ministry of Industry, BSTI, DoE, and UNICEF Bangladesh—came together to tackle the pressing issue of lead in decorative paints. During the meeting, ESDO presented critical insights from our...

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𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗵’𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿

Third Container Group Meeting on Strenghtening Due Diligence in Bangladesh’s Textile Sector

The 3rd Container Group Meeting, which focused on strengthening due diligence in Bangladesh’s textile sector, was held on 22 July 2025 at New Cheers Restaurant, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Organized by ESDO (Environment and Social Development Organization) and BILS (Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies), with support from FEMNET e.V., the event brought together key stakeholders, including government ministries,...

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Free Dental Camp – A Successful Initiative for Mercury-Free Dental Care!

We are thrilled to share the success of the Free Dental Camp held on 20th July 2025 at Sher-e Bangla Model High School, Ashulia, Savar. Organized by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) in collaboration with MT Dental Center, this event provided free, mercury-free dental care to the community, promoting...

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Report Launch & Press Briefing on “Toxic Playtime: Uncovering Heavy Metals in Children’s Plastic Toys” The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) successfully hosted a report launching and press briefing event to unveil its latest investigative study titled “Toxic Playtime: Uncovering Heavy Metals in Children’s Plastic Toys.” The event took place on 17 July 2025 in Dhaka, drawing participation from high-level government representatives, environmental experts, public health professionals, and prominent media houses. About the Study The study, conducted using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology in collaboration with BAN Toxics (Philippines), analyzed 70 brightly colored plastic toys collected from Dhaka’s largest toy hub, Chawkbazar. The findings revealed a shocking presence of lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium in toys meant for children. Key Findings at a Glance • Over 70% of tested toys exceeded international safety limits for heavy metals • One toy car from Aman Toy Garden contained: o Lead: 2,350 ppm (26x the limit) o Mercury: 1,080 ppm (18x the limit) o Chromium: 1,400 ppm (23x the limit) • Brightly colored toys (red, yellow, orange) were the most toxic • Locally produced toys were found to be more hazardous than imported ones • 100% of toys from Aman Toy Garden, Khokon Plastick Products, and Shahjalal Toys Gallery exceeded permissible limits • 20% of toys contained PVC and flame retardants Voices from the Event Syed Marghub Morshed, Chairperson of ESDO and Former Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh: “Safe toys are not a luxury—they are a fundamental right. We must not compromise on our children’s health and future.” Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Senior Technical Advisor, ESDO: “Toys bring joy, but that joy must not come with lifelong harm. We need immediate action for toxic-free toys.” Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Hashem, Former Chairman, Department of Chemistry, Jahangirnagar University: “This study confirms our worst fears. Our children are being exposed to neurotoxins that could severely impact their development.” Md. Manjurul Karim, Assistant Director, BSTI: “We have already drafted safety guidelines and plan to issue a mandatory SRO to regulate toxic substances in toys.” Kazi Sumon, Senior Chemist, Department of Environment: “This study provides the evidence we need to push for stricter policies and effective enforcement.” Thony Dizon, Advocacy Officer, BAN Toxics: “Bangladesh must align its toy safety regulations with global standards. The protection of children should not be delayed.” Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO: “This is not just a regulatory failure—it’s a violation of children’s rights. The time to act is now.” Way Forward: Recommended Actions • Ban the use of toxic chemicals in toys • Introduce mandatory testing and product labeling • Align national regulations with global safety standards • Establish strong inter-ministerial coordination • Hold manufacturers accountable for non-compliance • Ensure equal protection for children across all socioeconomic groups ________________________________________ 📰 Media & Stakeholder Engagement The event was well-attended by national media representatives, whose presence helped amplify the urgency of this public health and child safety issue. The collective voice from civil society, academia, and government institutions called for immediate and coordinated action.

Report Launch & Press Briefing on “Toxic Playtime: Uncovering Heavy Metals in Children’s Plastic Toys”

Report Launch & Press Briefing on “Toxic Playtime: Uncovering Heavy Metals in Children’s Plastic Toys” The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) successfully hosted a report launching and press briefing event to unveil its latest investigative study titled “Toxic Playtime: Uncovering Heavy Metals in Children’s Plastic Toys.” The event took...

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National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop Paves the Way for a Greener Textile Industry in Bangladesh

Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), the Basel Stockholm Convention Regional Centre – South East Asia (BSCRC-SEA), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC, USA), successfully organized the National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on “Reducing Uses and Releases of Chemicals of Concern...

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ESDO Marked it’s 35th Years

On June 6, 2025, ESDO marked its 35th year. On 19th June, ESDO celebrated the anniversary with a special gathering at Four Seasons Restaurant, uniting government officials, CSO partners, academics, board members, former colleagues, and friends. The celebration showcased ESDO’s key achievements from the past year and premiered a documentary...

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BAN Toxics and ESDO Strengthen Joint Advocacy for a Toxics-Free Future

BAN Toxics and ESDO Strengthen Joint Advocacy for a Toxics-Free Future BAN Toxics and the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) have officially launched the second phase of their joint campaign in Bangladesh this week, continuing their strong partnership to advocate for a toxics-free environment. This collaborative effort aims to...

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Stakeholder Conference on “Strengthening Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector in Bangladesh”

Stakeholder Conference on “Strengthening Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector in Bangladesh”

New Progress in Protecting Labor Rights and Environmental Sustainability in Bangladesh’s Textile Sector! On May 21, 2025, a stakeholder conference titled “Strengthening Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector in Bangladesh” was jointly organized by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), with support...

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