Dialogue urges stronger regulation to tackle Bangladesh's e-waste problem

A policy dialogue titled "Electronic Waste Management in Bangladesh: Reality and Way Forward" called for stronger enforcement of existing regulations, improved data collection and greater collaboration among government agencies, businesses and civil society to address Bangladesh's growing electronic waste challenge. 

The event was organised by rights-based advocacy organisation VOICE with support from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) at the YWCA auditorium in Dhaka on July 27. 

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According to an assessment presented by VOICE, Bangladesh generates around 3 million metric tonnes of electronic waste each year, yet less than 10 percent is formally recycled. The assessment also found that although all surveyed organisations were registered with the Department of Environment (DoE), none had collected end-of-life electronic products during the previous fiscal year, highlighting what the organisation described as weak implementation of the Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) Management Rules, 2021.

Presenting the findings, Musharrat Mahera, Deputy Director (Programmes) at VOICE, said the country's electronic waste contains recoverable resources worth an estimated USD 200 million to USD 221 million annually.

Professor Dr Rowshan Mamtaz of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) called for a more strategic approach to e-waste management, including clearer responsibilities within Department of Environment committees.

Zakir Hossain Khan, Founding Managing Director and Chief Executive of Change Initiative, urged the introduction of a comprehensive monitoring and tracking system for electronic products and encouraged businesses to adopt circular economy practices.

Tarit Kanti Biswas, Consultant (Medical Waste Management) at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), stressed the importance of collecting primary data and improving coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders.

Concluding the event, Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, called on the government to establish a clearer institutional framework for electronic waste management, saying stronger governance could help transform e-waste into a valuable economic resource.