Bidhan Chandra Pal
Probha Aurora Ltd, Bangladesh
Abstract Title: Plastic and E-Waste Management in Bangladesh: Community-Based Approaches, Youth Engagement, and Sustainable Circular Solutions
Biography:
Bidhan Chandra Pal, Founder and Managing Director, Probha Aurora Ltd.; Founder and Chairman, Probha Aurora Foundation; National Operator, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Bangladesh; International Board Member, Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN); Chair, Make a Difference Week (MADW) Global Committee 2026-27; Member, Society for Ecological Restoration, Asia Network; Alliance Member, Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA); Member, Founding Core Team, South and East Asia Neuro Climate Group; Member, Executive Council, Center for Urban Studies (CUS); Whatsapp + Mobile: +8801730715222;
Research Interest:
Bangladesh, as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable and densely populated countries, is facing rapidly growing challenges related to plastic pollution and electronic waste (e-waste) management. Rapid urbanization, increased consumption patterns, limited recycling infrastructure, informal waste processing systems, and low public awareness have significantly contributed to environmental degradation, public health risks, and ecosystem vulnerability. Coastal and riverine ecosystems are particularly threatened by unmanaged plastic leakage, while unsafe e-waste dismantling practices continue to expose vulnerable communities to toxic substances.
This paper presents the experiences and emerging approaches of Probha Aurora, a Bangladesh-based socially committed sustainable enterprise working on climate action, environmental protection, ecosystem restoration, and youth empowerment. Through initiatives connected with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), UNEP’s Tide Turners Plastic Challenge, youth-led environmental campaigns, greening education programmes, and community engagement initiatives, Probha Aurora has been promoting localized and participatory solutions to plastic and e-waste challenges.
The study highlights the importance of integrating environmental education, circular economy principles, community participation, youth leadership, and policy collaboration into waste management systems. Special attention is given to the role of educational institutions, local governance, and grassroots innovation in promoting sustainable consumption and responsible waste practices.
The paper further explores how Global South experiences such as Bangladesh can contribute to international dialogue on sustainable waste governance, climate resilience, and inclusive environmental transition. It argues that effective plastic and e-waste management requires not only technological solutions, but also social transformation, behavioral change, and cross-sector collaboration involving governments, academia, civil society, international partners, and local communities.