On May 19, 2024, the Department of Environment (DoE) in Chattogram held a full-day orientation workshop to promote the creation of plastic-free campuses. This initiative, in collaboration with the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), is a key part of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)’s 100-day action plan.

The project, launched by ESDO in 2022, aims to transform campuses across Bangladesh into plastic-free zones. St. Placid School and Pahartali Girls School and College have been chosen to lead this effort, with a goal to declare them plastic-free by June.

The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of plastic and encourage sustainable alternatives. Participants engaged in group discussions, and poster presentations, and shared valuable insights on reducing plastic usage and pollution.

Key figures at the event included Hillol Biswas, Director of Chittagong Metro Office of Department of Environment, was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. Special guests were Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT), Director of Department of Environment, Nasim Farhana Shirin, President of Chittagong Rotary Center, Osman Gani Mansoor. Head of Program Monowarul Islam ESDO, Jannatul Ferdaus Jubly, Program Associate of ESDO, Shanon Iffat Alam, Program Associate, ESDO and Research and Campaign Associate of ESDO, Noshin Naila were attended as trainer for this workshop.

ESDO has already executed Plastic-free Campus activities in 10 schools across Dhaka, Rangpur, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rajshahi.