Yunus calls for united efforts to save St Martin’s

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has urged all to come forward for the successful implementation of the government's initiative to protect St Martin’s Island, the only coral island in Bangladesh.

“I believe that with the combined efforts of all, we will leave a prosperous Bangladesh full of pristine environment and biodiversity for future generations,” he said, adding that the government has taken initiatives to limit tourism and create alternative employment opportunities for local residents to protect and restore the biodiversity of the ecologically critical island.

The chief adviser made the remarks in a message marking “World Environment Day” to be observed on 25 June, originally falling on 5 June that focuses on solutions to beat plastic pollution.

“I am happy to know that ‘World Environment Day’ is being celebrated in Bangladesh like other countries of the world to increase public awareness about environmental protection,” Yunus said, noting that this year’s theme of World Environment Day, ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’, set by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is very significant.

The chief adviser said the use of plastic products has increased dramatically in the past decade.

The multifaceted and uncontrolled use of plastic materials, especially the excessive production, indiscriminate use and mismanagement of single-use plastic, is causing serious damage to the environment, he said.

Strict control of plastic pollution has become essential to ensure the protection of our environment and environment, Yunus said.

The current interim government has taken various steps to control plastic pollution to protect the environment and public health, the chief adviser said.

Regular monitoring activities are continuing nationwide to stop the production and use of polythene shopping bags, Yunus said.

Special initiatives have been taken to invent, approve and introduce environmentally friendly alternatives to polythene bags, he said.

Activities are underway to stop transboundary plastic pollution and projects are being implemented for the proper and environmentally friendly management of plastic waste and marine litter, Yunus said.

In addition, he said, work is underway to formulate EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) guidelines under the ‘Solid Waste Management Rules, 2021’, where producers will collect and manage plastic waste at their own risk.

Yunus said many regions of Bangladesh, a land of natural beauty, are currently facing environmental and ecological crises.