23/09/2026
World Cleanup Day 2026: Youth Volunteers Call for a Sustainable Waste-Management System at Chattogramâs CRB. đ¤đ
YPB urges regular municipal cleaning, designated waste bins and stronger public participation to keep one of Chattogramâs popular public spaces clean.
CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh || As part of the broader spirit of World Cleanup Day, observed globally on 20 September, young volunteers in Chattogram have launched a community-based cleanliness and awareness campaign at the Central Railway Building (CRB), calling for stronger and more regular waste-management measures in one of the cityâs well-known public spaces.
The campaign, Organised by Youth People of Bangladesh (YPB), was conducted at the CRB area from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 23 September, bringing together young volunteers for cleaning activities, public awareness and conversations with local shopkeepers and visitors.
During the campaign, volunteers collected waste from different parts of the area and spoke with shopkeepers about keeping their surroundings clean. Awareness stickers were also placed at shops, while shopkeepers and members of the public were encouraged not to dispose of waste indiscriminately and to use designated waste-disposal points.
CRB needs a regular waste-management solution :
Speaking during the campaign, YPB Founder and Chief Executive Sidratul Munthaha said the accumulation of waste at CRB is a recurring concern, particularly because the area has a large number of shops and attracts thousands of visitors.
âA significant amount of waste accumulates in the CRB area on a regular basis. There are many shops here, but not all of them use waste bins, which means waste often accumulates around the shops. The problem becomes more visible when regular cleaning is not carried out, Sidratul Munthaha said.
He called for a regular and sustainable cleaning system rather than relying only on occasional cleanup campaigns.
âOur goal is not simply to clean CRB for one day. We want to see a practical, permanent solution. I would like the Chattogram City Corporation to ensure that dedicated cleaning workers regularly visit the CRB area and maintain cleanliness, He said.
He also stressed the importance of installing sufficient and clearly identified waste bins at appropriate locations.
Thousands of people come to CRB every day to spend time, walk around and enjoy the area. It is a public space where people should be able to relax in a clean environment. When there are no clearly designated waste-disposal points, waste can accumulate quickly. My sincere appeal is for a regular municipal cleaning system, adequate waste bins and stronger monitoring so that CRB can remain clean throughout the year, He added.
From cleanup to long-term action The campaign also focused on encouraging behavioural change among shopkeepers, visitors and local communities. Volunteers urged businesses to keep waste inside or near designated disposal points rather than leaving it on roadsides or public spaces.
Organisers said that while community-led cleanup campaigns can remove accumulated waste and raise awareness, long-term cleanliness requires regular municipal services, adequate waste-disposal infrastructure and responsible behaviour from businesses and visitors.
The initiative promotes Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) while contributing to broader goals related to sustainable communities, environmental protection and climate action.
The organisers said the campaign was inspired by the wider objectives of World Cleanup Day, which brings communities and volunteers together around the world to address litter and promote cleaner public spaces.
A call for shared Responsibility
YPB said keeping CRB clean should be viewed as a shared responsibility involving local authorities, businesses, residents, visitors and young people.
The organisation called for closer cooperation between community volunteers and municipal authorities to establish a system in which waste is regularly collected, disposal points are available and public spaces are continuously maintained.
Organised by: Youth people of Bangladesh (YPB)
In collaboration with: Plastic Circularity Project
Funded by: The Coca-Cola Foundation
Implemented by: United Nations Development Programme - UNDP
Supported by: Young Power in Social Action (YPSA)