Plastic Free Challenge & Plogging Event 2023
9 to 19 September 2023
Main purpose/goal(s) of the event
The Plastic Free Week, coupled with the Plogging initiative, was organized by the Sweden Alumni Network Bangladesh in association with SI Alumni Network Bangladesh to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of plastic consumption. The events aimed at encouraging participants to abstain from using disposable plastics for a week while fostering a sense of community engagement through Plogging.
The Plastic Free Week, coupled with the Plogging initiative, was organized by the Sweden Alumni Network Bangladesh in association with SI Alumni Network Bangladesh to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of plastic consumption. The events aimed at encouraging participants to abstain from using disposable plastics for a week while fostering a sense of community engagement through Plogging.
Inaugural Session (9 September 2023):
The event kicked off with a Seminar on the Plastic Free Challenge at Atish Depankar University of Science and Technology, Uttara (Diabari), Dhaka. The seminar featured esteemed speakers such as Prof. Dr. Mihir Lal Shaha and Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel, shedding light on the environmental and health effects of plastic. The session also included a discussion and experience-sharing segment. Notable guests included a representative from the Embassy of Sweden and Prof. Dr. Zahagir Alam, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Atish Depankar University.
Program Schedule:
Date: 9 September 2023
Venue: Atish Depankar University of Science and Technology, Uttara (Diabari), Dhaka
Program:
10.00 AM: Welcome Speech By Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Chairperson, Sweden Alumni Network Bangladesh
10.05 AM: Keynote Speech on Environmental Effect of Plastic Prof. Dr. Mihir Lal Shaha, Chairman, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka
10.35 AM: Keynote Speech on Health Effect of Plastic Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel Consultant, World Health Organization, and Chairman, Health and Nutrition Organization
11.05 AM: Discussion Professor Dr. Zashim Uddin Department of Botany, University of Dhaka
11.35 AM: Experience Sharing and Q&A Session
11.55 AM: Speech by Special Guest Representative of the Embassy of Sweden
12.00 PM: Speech by Special Guest Prof. Dr. Shahin Khan Member, Board of Trustee, Atish Depankar University of Science and Technology
12.05 PM: Speech by Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Zahagir Alam Honorable Vice Chancellor, Atish Depankar University of Science and Technology
12.15 PM: Concluding Remarks Md. Harun Or Rashid Chairperson, SI Alumni Network Bangladesh
12.20 PM: Vote of Thanks by Notable Alumni
12.30 PM: Lunch
Online Session (15 September 2023):
A Webinar on Micro Plastic Hazard to Public Health was conducted on the Zoom platform. The session focused on nationwide plastic hazards, featuring keynote speakers Prof. Dr. Abu Naser Zafar Ullah and Prof. Dr. Iqbal Kabir. The online event provided a platform for discussion and a Q&A session, with a closing speech by the Embassy of Sweden's representative. The session concluded with remarks from Md. Harun Or Rashid, Chairperson of the SI Alumni Network Bangladesh.
Program Schedule:
Date: 15 September, 2023
Venue: ONLINE, ZOOM PLATFORM
Program:
7.30 PM: Welcome Speech by Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Chairperson Sweden Alumni Network Bangladesh
7.35 PM: Keynote Speakers: Prof. Dr. Abu Naser Zafar Ullah Honorable Vice Chancellor RTM Al-Kabir Technical University, Sylhet
8.05 PM: Keynote Speaker: Prof. Dr. Iqbal Kabir Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Bangladesh
8.30 PM: Discussion and Q&A Session
8.45 PM: Speech by the Representative of the Embassy of Sweden
8.55 PM: Concluding Remarks Md. Harun Or Rashid Chairperson, SI Alumni Network Bangladesh
9.00 PM: Vote of Thanks by Notable Alumni
Physical Sessions / Plogging:
Plogging arranged at schools outside Dhaka city to train, encourage and aware school students about plastic waste and pollution and how to reduce the plastic pollution in their nearby area. Detailed report on Physical Sessions and Plogging will be submitted by SI Alumni Network Bangladesh.
Wrap up Session (19 September 2023):
The concluding session at Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, showcased activities during the Plastic Free Week. A discussion and Q&A session allowed participants to share their experiences, and a prizegiving ceremony recognized outstanding contributions. Special guests included HE Alexandra Berg von Linde, the Honorable Ambassador of Sweden, and Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Alam, Honorable Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University. The event concluded with remarks from Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Chairperson of the SI Alumni Network Bangladesh.
Program Schedule:
Date: 19 September, 2023
Venue: Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka
Program:
10.00 AM: Welcome Speech by Md. Harun Or Rashid, Chairperson, SI Alumni Network Bangladesh
10.05 AM: Activity Showcase during 9 September to 16 September
10.25 AM: Discussion and Q&A Session
10.45 AM: Prize Giving Session
11.00 AM: Speech by Special Guest HE Alexandra Berg von Linde Honorable Ambassador of Sweden
11.20 AM: Speech by Chief Guest Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Alam Honorable Vice Chancellor, Jahangirnagar University
11.40 AM: Concluding Remarks Md. Mahmudur Rahman Chairperson. Sweden Alumni Network Bangladesh
11.45 AM: Vote of Thanks by Notable Alumni.
Conclusion:
The Plastic Free Challenge & Plogging event successfully achieved its goals of raising awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment and health. The foursessions provided a comprehensive platform for learning, discussion, and community engagement. The comparison of Sweden's waste management approach with Bangladesh added a global perspective, and the recognition of active participants further encouraged sustainable practices. The event was a significant step towards fostering environmental consciousness and community involvement among the alumni network.