The Society for Asian Circular Innovation Network (SACIN), a research-driven think tank, officially launched its operations in Dhaka on Saturday, aiming to drive circular economy practices and sustainable industrial growth across Asia.
The network unveiled its vision with an urgent call to dismantle the traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ economic model, advocating instead for a decisive shift toward resource efficiency, reuse and regional policy alignment.
Speaking at the launch, SACIN President Priti Chakraborty emphasized that sustainable development is no longer optional, warning that environmental degradation is already jeopardizing public health and economic stability across the region.
She noted that the initiative marks the beginning of a collective responsibility to reshape regional economic thinking.
SACIN Vice-President Shiabur Rahman reinforced this urgency, highlighting the critical need for stronger cross-border collaboration to accelerate circular economy adoption, warning that industries must adapt quickly to keep pace with evolving global sustainability frameworks.
The launch event brought together key industry and policy voices to address various facets of the sustainable transition. Executive Member Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu urged the private sector to integrate circular practices into core operations, while Executive Member Kazi Rozana Akhter stressed the need for innovation and inclusion in competitive sectors like textiles and manufacturing.
On policy and finance, Joint Secretary Shaikh Md. Rezvi Newaz called for robust regulatory frameworks and incentives to encourage green investments. Supporting this, Treasurer Md. Nazmuchh Chakib pointed out that climate finance and green bonds will be critical instruments in scaling circular solutions.
Meanwhile, Executive Member Mahfujur Rahman highlighted the necessity of bringing agriculture, energy, plastics and infrastructure under a unified circular framework.
Concluding the event, General Secretary and Executive Director Shafayat Hosen outlined SACIN’s long-term commitment to research, knowledge dissemination and regional partnerships.
To achieve its goals, the organization announced a series of upcoming strategic initiatives, including a sustainability data and AI platform, a circular innovation marketplace, and a climate-focused investment platform designed to position Asia at the forefront of global sustainability leadership.
