Bangladesh’s coastal and marine environment is under unprecedented pressure as new studies reveal a dangerous surge in both plastic waste and microplastic contamination, posing severe risks to marine biodiversity, public health, and the coastal economy.

A World Bank–supported study conducted by a multidisciplinary team from the University of Chittagong (CU) has found that Chattogram alone generates nearly 2.58 lakh tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which more than 70,000 tonnes remain unmanaged. This unmanaged plastic clogs drains, worsens waterlogging, and eventually flows into rivers and the Bay of Bengal.

Adding to this crisis, almost 19,000 fishing vessels operating in Bangladesh’s coastal waters use over 40,000 tonnes of plastic-based nets and gear every year. Shockingly, about 2,740 tonnes are abandoned directly into the sea, turning into “ghost nets” that continue to kill fish, turtles, and marine mammals long after being discarded.
A separate international study comparing the Bay of Bengal and China’s Xiamen Bay has found that Bangladesh’s coastal waters contain significantly higher levels of microplastics.
Surface waters in Bangladesh recorded 560±401 microplastic particles per m³, nearly double the levels documented in Chinese estuaries. Sediments showed a similar trend, with Bangladeshi coastal areas containing more than twice the microplastic concentration of Chinese coastal zones.

These microplastics—mostly fibres from fishing nets, packaging, and synthetic materials—are entering the digestive systems of fish and other marine species. The study shows fish from Bangladesh carry an average of 32.9 microplastic pieces per 10g of tissue, more than double the contamination found in Chinese fish samples.

Scientists warn this contamination poses long-term health risks for humans, including hormonal disorders, organ damage, cancer risk, and fertility issues.
The Chittagong Port Authority reports 2–7 metre deep layers of polythene and plastic waste deposited on riverbeds, making dredging more difficult and costly.
Experts say this buildup is the result of years of unmanaged waste flowing from drains, canals, and industrial zones into the Karnaphuli River.
Despite the alarming statistics, the CU research team highlights promising initiatives.
Floating waste pickers, scrap dealers, and CCC workers have been trained and supplied with protective equipment to boost waste collection.
Around 2,000 school students joined awareness campaigns on the dangers of plastic pollution.

Fishing communities were also sensitised about the ecological impact of abandoned nets. In response, many fishermen have started bringing used nets back to shore, where they are now being repurposed into handicrafts and decorative items.

Additionally, trained entrepreneurs have begun producing eco-friendly alternatives, including paper-based pens, biodegradable cups, and utensils made from areca leaves. Nearly 20,000 eco-friendly items have already been distributed in supermarkets and tourist hubs in Chattogram.
Researchers note that while Bangladesh has environmental laws, weak enforcement allows plastic dumping and untreated wastewater discharge to continue unchecked.
In contrast, China has implemented strong policies such as national plastic bans and strict marine pollution control laws.

Experts say Bangladesh urgently needs:

1. national roadmap to phase out single-use plastics
2. Improved wastewater treatment in coastal cities
3. Investment in recycling and circular economy models
4. Stronger enforcement in fishing and industrial sectors

Regional cooperation to monitor shared waters of the Bay of Bengal
Lead researchers warn that Bangladesh is facing a true environmental emergency. But they also emphasize that with coordinated efforts, the situation can be reversed.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it is a social and economic one,” said Prof Dr M Shahadat Hossain. “With proper planning and community engagement, this crisis can be transformed into an opportunity.”

As the Bay of Bengal continues to absorb billions of microplastic particles every day, experts urge policymakers, industries, and citizens to act now—before the damage becomes irreversible.