Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said that Patenga sea beach is a priceless asset of Chattogram. Despite repeated warnings, the City Corporation will take legal action against those who are illegally occupying the beach and running businesses. Chattogram must be protected from plastic pollution.
On Friday, he conducted an eviction drive in the Sea Beach area. He said that Patenga is the main attraction for domestic and international tourists; therefore, it is everyone's responsibility to keep the beach neat and beautiful.
Patenga sea beach is Chattogram's asset - where people come to spend some time. No one will be able to occupy the beach walkway or public path and set up a business by placing tables and umbrellas there. We have also received complaints of tourists being forced to eat or being charged for food. If the business here damages the beach culturally or geographically, we will definitely take action.”
He said, there are shops and stalls at the back of the beach and there are sufficient food options; therefore, it is not acceptable to endanger the public interest by building hotels or permanent settlements in the beach area.
CCC mayor said, “I have repeatedly spoken to the shopkeepers, they have also agreed that the beach will be open to the public. After that, we conducted awareness activities and later conducted a drive through the magistrate. But even then, legal proceedings will be initiated against those who are occupying the sea beach. This activity will be conducted in coordination with all the relevant organizations including the district administration, CDA, tourist police.”
Before the drive, the mayor participated in an awareness program to combat single-use plastic pollution jointly organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Bangladesh and the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC).
Speaking as the chief guest, City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, “Patenga is one of our most visited coastal areas, but plastic pollution is a big threat to its beauty and biodiversity. Through this initiative, we want to create a responsible culture where every visitor and citizen takes responsibility for keeping their beaches clean and the ocean healthy.”
UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative Sardar M Asaduzzaman, referring to the environmental importance of Patenga, said, “Patenga is not just a beach, it is a symbol of Chittagong’s pride. But the plastic waste that accumulates here every day is posing a threat to marine life, public health and livelihoods. I urge everyone to work together to address this situation.”
Bangladesh generates about 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, of which Chattogram city generates about 3,000 tonnes daily. A large portion of this ends up in the Karnafuli River and the Bay of Bengal, posing a serious threat to biodiversity and coastal communities.
During the day-long event, young volunteers conduct beach clean-ups, install eco-friendly dustbins and awareness signs, and encourage visitors to pledge to stop using plastic. Awareness messages highlight the impact of plastic waste on marine biodiversity and the importance of responsible consumer behavior.
Students from schools, colleges, universities, and local organizations participate in the event, demonstrating that small initiatives and collective efforts can make a big difference in the long run.
This event is part of UNDP Bangladesh’s “Plastic Circularity Project,” which is being implemented with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation. The project aims to recover and recycle 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Tangail districts. Managing responsibly — so that plastic is transformed from pollution into a recyclable resource.
