Environment and Social Development Organization -ESDO

03/05/2026

🌿 Every day, the choices we make shape the future of our planet. Living a zero waste lifestyle isn’t about perfection,it’s about awareness, intention, and small, consistent actions that reduce the waste we create. From carrying reusable bags and bottles to avoiding single-use plastics and composting organic waste, these simple habits can significantly lower our environmental footprint .

In a world where waste is growing rapidly, choosing to live more sustainably is a powerful step toward protecting our environment, conserving resources, and building healthier communities. When we rethink our consumption and make mindful decisions, we not only reduce pollution but also inspire others to do the same.

Let’s take responsibility today for a cleaner tomorrow. Start small, stay committed, and be part of the change our planet truly needs.

02/05/2026

30/04/2026

Phthalates and bisphenols are hiding in products we touch constantly. They've already been found in Bangladesh's rivers, fish, and children's school supplies.

ESDO's country situation report reveals that the people of Bangladesh are under a public health threat, lacking regulatory measures or standards to control the harmful effects of phthalates and bisphenols in plastics.
IPEN: for a toxics-free future

A situation report has raised concerns over widespread exposure to harmful chemicals phthalates and bisphenols, putting public health at significant risk as their use remains largely unregulated in the country.

30/04/2026

A milestone for science-driven environmental protection. Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE Lab) have signed a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding to advance collaborative research on toxic chemicals, heavy metals, microplastics, PFAS, and other contaminants in consumer products, food, soil, and water. This partnership will strengthen laboratory analysis, evidence generation, joint publications, and policy advocacy to better safeguard public health and the environment in Bangladesh.

30/04/2026

Dhaka has been ranked as the loudest city in the world, and most people are unaware of the effect this has on their health.

Based on the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025 in Bangladesh, the government enforces:
on-the-spot fines for honking in "silent zones", such as mosques and schools
restriction on night-time construction/loudspeakers
mandatory noise pollution training for driving licenses

Are we abiding by the restrictions?

On this Noise Awareness Day, ESDO urges every resident of Bangladesh to recognize noise pollution for what it is: a public health crisis that is damaging our hearing, our hearts, and our children's development silently, and permanently.

29/04/2026

Today, government officials, civil society representatives, journalists, academics, and environmental experts came together at the report dissemination and country situation assessment event organized by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) in Dhaka on 29 April. The successful gathering fostered important dialogue on Bangladesh’s growing plastics sector, rising chemical exposure risks, and the urgent need for stronger policies to protect women, children, and public health.

The event was graced by the Chairperson of ESDO and former Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, Syed Margub Morshed; Secretary General of ESDO, Dr. Shahriar Hossain; Senior Technical Advisor, Professor Dr. Md. Abul Hashem; Executive Director of ESDO, Siddika Sultana; and Professor Dr. Tahmina Shirin, IEDCR.

Besides media representatives and academics, officials from DoE, BMU, MoHFW, DGHS, NIPSOM, BCIC, and NBR were present. The discussion highlighted the need to harmonize Bangladesh’s standards with global ones. Participants emphasized the need to enhance research and development while enhancing collaboration.

28/04/2026

What's behind your everyday plastic items?

IPEN: for a toxics-free future

28/04/2026

Dr. Shahriar Hossain sheds light on indoor pollution in Bangladesh. A topic long ignored by urban-planners and development experts.

Read more (link in comments)

27/04/2026

The Stakeholder Consultation Workshop with Brands and Buyers on “Reducing Uses and Releases of Chemicals of Concern (CoCs), including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), in the Textile Sector” was successfully held on 27 April 2026 at Hotel Lake Castle, Gulshan 2, Dhaka.

Organized under a regional initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the project is nationally coordinated by the Department of Environment (DoE) in collaboration with the Environment and Social Development Organization - ESDO.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government, brands, buyers, and technical experts to exchange insights on sustainable chemical management practices in Bangladesh’s textile sector.

Valuable remarks were delivered by:
- Mr. Md. Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General, DoE (Chief Guest)
- Mr. Md. Hasan Hasibur Rahman, Director (Planning), DoE
- Ms. Razina Begum, Director (Waste & Chemical Management), DoE
- Mr. Parvej Chowdhury, Director (Admin), DoE (Chair)

Key highlights included:
✔ Chemical Mapping & Inventory Approach (Component 1.2)
✔ Brands & Buyers Roundtable on Current Practices & Challenges
✔ Policy Discussion on Regulatory Alignment (Component 2.3)
✔ Open Dialogue on Collaboration Framework (Pilots, Data Sharing, Compliance)

The interactive discussions underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to reduce hazardous chemical use, strengthen compliance, and advance environmentally sound practices across the textile value chain.

The workshop concluded with key recommendations and a clear way forward toward achieving sustainable chemical management in Bangladesh.

27/04/2026

The plastic you use every day may be harming you and the government barely tracks it.

Phthalates and bisphenols are hiding in products you touch constantly. They've already been found in Bangladesh's rivers, fish, and children's school supplies. Yet there's still no direct national ban or limit to stop them.

Rapid expansion of plastic industry without chemical regulation poses environmental and occupational health risks.

Swipe to see what's really going on. 👉

26/04/2026

🚫 Hidden Toxins Alert! 🚫

Ever wonder what’s actually in your plastic containers or that "fresh" scented spray? Meet Phthalates and Bisphenol (BPA)—the "invisible chemicals" hiding in plain sight.
🧪 What are they?
They’re industrial chemicals used to make plastics flexible (Phthalates) and durable (BPA). They’re in everything from food packaging to receipts and beauty products.
⚠️ Why should you care?
These are endocrine disruptors, meaning they hack your hormones! Constant exposure is linked to:
❌ Hormonal Imbalance – Messes with reproductive health.
❌ Developmental Issues – Risky for growing kids and pregnancy.
❌ Metabolic Problems – Linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
❌ Heart & Brain Health – Increased risk of CV disease and ADHD.
Small changes matter! Swap plastic for glass, ditch the "fragrance," and go BPA-free. 🌿✨

26/04/2026