To support improved urban solid waste management 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 “SWM Rules, 2021 to Action: Co-Developing City Solid Waste Management Strategy Plan and Annual Plan” on 6–7 May 2026 at Hotel Star Pacific, Dargagate, Sylhet.
The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) and relevant stakeholders to prepare effective and environmentally sound solid waste management (SWM) strategies and annual action plans in line with the “Solid Waste Management Rules 2021”.
The opening session was attended by Abdul Quiyum Choudhury as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of coordinated planning, institutional accountability, and citizen participation to improve waste management services in Sylhet city.
The technical sessions began with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz on global and Bangladesh perspectives of solid waste management. Kazi Amin presented on the Solid Waste Management Rules 2021, relevant policies, and legal frameworks related to municipal waste management. A presentation on the current status and challenges of SWM in Sylhet city was delivered by Lt. Col. (Retd.) Mohammad Aklem Abden.
A total of 45 participants, including 6 female participants, attended the first day of the workshop. Participants represented different departments of Sylhet City Corporation, government agencies, development organizations, clubs and local stakeholder groups. Officials from engineering, health, administration, revenue, and waste management sections participated alongside representatives from LGED, READO, Islamic Relief, the District Education Office, and local organizations. The second day of the workshop was attended by 25 participants, including 6 female participants, primarily from different sections of Sylhet City Corporation. 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 analysis, strategic planning exercises, and budgeting sessions. he stakeholder analysis exercise was facilitated by Alauddin Ahmed from ITN-BUET. Participants identified several key challenges, including inefficient waste collection systems, lack of source segregation, limited recycling capacity, and dependence on landfill-based disposal practices. Discussions also focused on integrated waste management approaches based on the 7R principles. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, improving public awareness, encouraging community participation, and promoting public-private partnerships to improve waste management services in Sylhet.
During the concluding session, Kazi Amin from ITN-BUET appreciated the active participation of all stakeholders and encouraged the practical application of the workshop outcomes within Sylhet City Corporation. A participant Farzana Rahman Nishat highlighted the importance of public awareness, stating that awareness is a key component of effective waste management and that greater efforts are needed to encourage and educate people on responsible waste management practices.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to finalize the SWM Strategy Plan and Annual Plan for submission to the Local Government Division (LGD), contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban future for Sylhet city.
