Chattogram Zoo Launches Plastic Waste Recycling Initiative for Free Student Entry
The formal handover of plastic waste collected from students in exchange for free zoo entry commenced on Saturday (October 31, 2026), initiated by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Zahidul Islam Miah. The recycling launch coincided with a cleanliness and dengue mosquito extermination drive at the Chattogram Zoo and adjoining hill streams, beginning with a colorful public awareness rally organized by the Chattogram District Administration in collaboration with Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and YPSA Waste Management Enterprise.
Under the environmental scheme, students up to 18 years of age can gain free entry to the zoo—where general admission costs Tk 70—by submitting 100 grams of plastic waste. Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah stated that the initiative aims to instill environmental responsibility in youth while reducing pollution. He noted that the collected plastic is being handed over to YPSA Waste Management Enterprise following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the district administration. The DC also announced upcoming plans to introduce zebras and crocodiles to the zoo and urged children to engage with nature beyond mobile screens.
Speaking as the chief guest, CCC Administrator Dr. Shahadat Hossain emphasized joint collaboration between municipal agencies, the administration, and citizens to keep the port city clean. He stressed the importance of preserving the natural water bodies and hill streams surrounding Foy’s Lake and requested joint enforcement operations involving district administration executive magistrates to keep footpaths and roads accessible. Addressing dengue prevention, Dr. Hossain urged residents to avoid dumping plastic containers and coconut shells yonder and announced that 20 compactor dump trucks from Japan will soon join the CCC fleet to bolster waste management.
Reviewing past campaigns, DC Zahidul Islam Miah recalled that a massive drive on July 25 cleared 135 tonnes of waste across approximately 10 million square feet spanning over 3,000 government establishments, involving 6,200 employees and 2,295 educational institutions. Subsequent cleanup drives were conducted at Kazibari Pond, Patenga Sea Beach, Zia Memorial Complex, nearly 2,000 mosques, and around 100 hotel-restaurant kitchens across various upazilas.
The event was attended by CCC Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Shamim Mohammad Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Sharif Uddin, Additional Deputy Commissioner (LA) Md. Kamruzzaman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sakhawat Jamil Saikat, along with officials from YPSA and media representatives. Following the discussion, guests inspected the zoo premises and sprayed mosquito larvicide along adjacent hill streams.