E-waste is growing fast. None of us are out of the risks of e-waste management. Therefore, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) has focused on e-waste management in Bangladesh as in Japan. In the meantime, work on e-waste management has started at full swing. This project will be implemented between 2022-2027. The cost of this project has been estimated at around Tk. 350 crore.
This piece of information was conveyed by Deputy Director (Planning) of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Engineer Mohammad Atiqul Islam in a day-long training workshop titled ‘E-Waste Management’ with the participation of members of Bangladesh Computer Society, a joint venture of ICT Business Promotion Council and Bangladesh Computer Society.
On Saturday (February 19) at 10 am at the BCS Innovation Center in Dhanmondi, BCS President Md. Shahid-ul-Munir delivered a welcome speech at the workshop. He said that the number of electronic wastes is increasing worldwide. Policies have been formulated in the country for the management of e-waste. This sector will always create new jobs. However, it is important to seek the views of stakeholders on the policy.
Electronics companies, including the technology sectors too have something to say on this issue. However, initiatives should be taken in e-waste management from now on. The government has to play an important role in this as well as the private sector. Today’s workshop is important for technology entrepreneurs. BCS will continue to hold workshops to keep its members informed on current issues.
Thanking the participants, the BCS President further said that a number of non-governmental organizations including World Bank and Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority have been working on e-waste management. In the future, young entrepreneurs will also be able to integrate their organization with this management. Most of the participants in today’s workshop are women. So, I hope that women will make an impact in e-waste management.
Engineer Mohammad Atiqul Islam, Deputy Director (Planning) of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority presented the keynote address at the workshop. “By e-waste we mean electrical and related devices,” he said. Waste flow is increasing due to e-waste. According to research, the amount of e-waste will be 65.3 million tons by 2025 and 74.7 million tons by 2035. Due to this excess waste, the incidence of various diseases including health damage is increasing worldwide. The amount of e-waste is also increasing in the country. Proper management of government and private coordination will help us to implement our future plans.
He further said that e-waste is increasing at the rate of 20% every year. E-waste recycling market is being created. Electrical products that have the potential to be reused are being re-used. According to the research of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the amount of e-waste in the country in 2021 is 0.5 million tons which is increasing at the rate of 20% every year. Plans for Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation Project and e-Waste Management Plant at Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City in Kaliakair have been adopted. Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) has already started work on e-waste management at full speed which will be implemented between 2022-2027. The cost of this project has been estimated at around Tk. 350 crore.
He also discussed in detail the Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) Management Rules, 2021 of the Environment Branch-2 of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
The workshop was attended by SM Iqbal, former president of BCS, government officials, members of the association and officials of member organizations, teachers and others. However, the keynote speaker regretted that representatives such as Samsung distributor Fair Electronics and Symphony were not present at the workshop.