Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) have renewed their partnership for two more years to continue plastic waste management activities in Chattogram. On dated May 11, 2026, The agreement was signed through a memorandum of understanding at a ceremony attended by Chattogram Mayor Shahadat Hossain as chief guest.
Among others present were Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, chief conservancy officer of CCC; Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA; Ruhul Quddus Khan, chief executive officer and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh; and Shamima Akhter, director of corporate affairs, partnerships and communications at Unilever Bangladesh.
The partnership, launched in 2022, has been working across all 41 wards of Chattogram City Corporation to strengthen plastic waste collection and recycling systems. The programme includes training, safety support and financial inclusion for waste workers and scrap dealers.
3,000 waste workers and 220 scrap dealers have received training under the initiative, while around 2,000 waste workers received safety equipment. In 2025, the programme introduced group life insurance coverage for 1,827 participants. The initiative also conducted awareness activities involving around 25,000+ households and more than 10,000+ students.
More than 32,000+ tones of plastic waste were collected between June 2022 and April 2026, with 70 percent consisting of flexible plastic.
Shahadat Hossain said, “This partnership reflects the importance of collaboration between city authorities, the private sector, and civil society in strengthening urban waste management systems.”
Ruhul Quddus Khan said, “Addressing plastic waste requires systemic change and sustained collaboration across the value chain.”
Mohammed Arifur Rahman said, “This initiative brings informal waste workers into a more organized system, helping improve income opportunities while strengthening access to safety measures and recognition.”
During the programme, two waste pickers and two scrap dealers were recognized for their contributions to plastic waste management in Chattogram City.
Media Coverage: