To strengthen urban solid waste management practice in Bangladesh, International Training Network Centre at BUET (ITN-BUET), in collaboration with SNV Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), organized a two-day participatory workshop titled “Workshop for City Stakeholders and Officials to Develop the Solid Waste Management Action Plan in Chapainawabganj” on 19–20 May 2025 at Hotel Sky View Inn, Chapainawabganj.
The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of Chapainawabganj Municipality and relevant stakeholders to develop an effective and environmentally sound Solid Waste Management (SWM) strategy and annual action plans in line with the “Solid Waste Management Rules 2021”.
The opening ceremony was attended by Md. Mamun-or-Rashed, Poura Nirbahi Officer of Chapainawabganj Municipality, as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of waste segregation at the source as the first and most critical step toward improving municipal waste management services. He noted that through source segregation, improved planning, and coordinated stakeholder efforts, Chapainawabganj has the potential to become a model municipality for sustainable waste management in Bangladesh.
The technical sessions focused on understanding the current solid waste management situation in Chapainawabganj, identifying key challenges and opportunities, strengthening Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approaches, and developing strategic interventions for improved waste management services.
On first day, a total of 31 participants attended the first day of the workshop. Participants represented Chapainawabganj Municipality, the Market Committee, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), District Education Office, Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association, SDC, development organizations, media representatives, and other local stakeholders. The second day was attended by 15 participants, primarily from different departments and sections of Chapainawabganj Municipality. The sessions focused on translating strategic priorities into practical implementation plans aligned with the SWM Rules 2021.
The workshop followed a participatory approach that included technical presentations, group discussions, stakeholder consultations, strategic planning exercises, and action-planning sessions. Participants identified several priorities, including source segregation, improved collection and transportation systems, enhanced stakeholder coordination, increased public awareness, and stronger institutional arrangements for service delivery. Participants emphasized that coordinated efforts among municipal authorities, government agencies, private sector actors, community organizations, and citizens are essential for achieving sustainable waste management and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening public awareness and encouraging community participation to ensure long-term success.
During the concluding session, participants expressed their commitment to implementing the workshop recommendations and finalizing the Solid Waste Management Action Plan for Chapainawabganj Municipality. The workshop concluded with a shared vision of building a cleaner, healthier, and more climate-resilient municipality through improved planning, effective partnerships, and sustainable waste management practices.
