Ban Single-Use Plastics to Protect Beaches

Plastic pollution is now recognized as one of the world’s most pressing environmental crises. According to recent international studies and environmental assessments, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, a significant proportion of which ends up as waste in the environment. The United Nations estimates that around 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter rivers and oceans annually. If current trends continue, this figure could nearly triple by 2040. Over time, discarded plastics break down into tiny particles known as microplastics.

These particles are ingested by fish, shellfish, sea turtles, marine birds, and other aquatic species, eventually entering the human food chain. Recent scientific studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, placentas, and even brain tissue, raising serious concerns about their implications for public health.

Bangladesh is not immune to this global crisis. Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest natural sea beach and one of the country’s most important tourism destinations and biodiversity hotspots, is particularly vulnerable. Every year, millions of tourists visit the beach, contributing significantly to the local economy. However, this influx also leads to a sharp increase in the use of single-use plastics. Plastic bottles, shopping bags, food wrappers, disposable cups, straws, and cutlery are discarded daily across the beach and surrounding areas. Due to inadequate waste management systems, a large proportion of this plastic eventually finds its way into the Bay of Bengal.

The marine ecosystem of Cox’s Bazar is important not only for tourism but also for fisheries, coral habitats, sea turtles, dolphins, and coastal biodiversity. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food or become entangled in plastic waste, leading to injury or death. Consequently, plastic pollution threatens biodiversity, fisheries, coastal livelihoods, food security, and the long-term sustainability of the blue economy.

The Government of Bangladesh has already introduced various laws and policies to regulate polythene bags, improve waste management, and protect the environment. The country has also committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 11, 12, 13, and 14. However, legislation alone is not enough. Effective implementation, institutional coordination, and meaningful behavioural change among citizens are essential to achieving lasting results.

The judiciary has also played an important role in addressing plastic pollution. In Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) and Others vs. Government of Bangladesh and Others (Writ Petition No. 14941 of 2019), the High Court issued significant directives on 6 January 2020 regarding the control of polythene and single-use plastics. The Court instructed the government to enforce the existing ban on polythene bags, take effective measures to eliminate plastic bags in coastal areas, regulate the use of single-use plastics in hotels, motels, and restaurants, and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. The ruling aimed to protect the environment, conserve marine biodiversity, and safeguard public health. Effective implementation of these directives is particularly important in coastal tourism destinations such as Cox’s Bazar. Unfortunately, despite their significance, these directives remain largely absent in practice.

Many countries have already adopted strict measures to eliminate single-use plastics in environmentally sensitive and tourist areas. Indonesia, the Maldives, Kenya, Seychelles, and several other countries impose substantial fines�"ranging from hundreds to thousands of US dollars�"for violating plastic regulations. Countries such as Kenya and Rwanda also enforce prison sentences for serious offences. Alongside legal enforcement, these countries have introduced refill stations, reusable products, and eco-friendly packaging to reduce plastic consumption. Bangladesh should adopt and effectively enforce similar measures in its tourism destinations to protect its natural environment.

A coordinated initiative to establish Cox’s Bazar as a Plastic-Controlled Tourism Zone could serve as a practical solution. Authorities should regulate single-use plastics at entry points to tourist areas, gradually restrict their sale within designated zones, promote alternatives made from cloth, jute, paper, and bamboo, and provide incentives for local entrepreneurs producing sustainable products. Development partners and non-governmental organisations should also be encouraged to support plastic reduction initiatives.

Adequate waste bins, waste segregation systems, recycling collection centres, and modern waste management facilities should be installed at key locations, including tourist entry points. Hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses should be encouraged�"or where necessary, required through policy�"to adopt environmentally friendly packaging.

In addition, a permanent monitoring and coordination mechanism should be established involving the District Administration, the Department of Environment, local government institutions, the Forest Department, tourism authorities, law enforcement agencies, educational and research institutions, business representatives, and civil society organisations. Regular environmental data collection, beach litter audits, microplastic monitoring, and evidence-based policymaking would significantly strengthen the effectiveness of plastic control measures.

Protecting the coastal environment is far more than a cleanliness campaign. It is directly linked to public health, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, and future economic prosperity. A cleaner and environmentally responsible tourist destination is also more attractive to international visitors, creating opportunities for employment, investment, and long-term local economic growth.

Cox’s Bazar is more than a tourist destination�"it is a symbol of Bangladesh’s natural heritage, environmental security, and international image. The time has come to adopt research-based planning, enforce environmental laws effectively, promote green technologies, strengthen public awareness, and foster collaboration among all stakeholders to build a Plastic-Free Cox’s Bazar. The decisions we make today will determine whether future generations inherit a safe, clean, and sustainable coastline.