Bangladesh › Asia | SWITCH-Asia

Asia › Bangladesh

SCP Context

Bangladesh’ commitment to Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is outlined in the Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021–2041 (PP2041)[1]. Circular economy measures are advanced through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastics[2], the Circular Textiles Roadmap[3], and the Multisectoral Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh[4], which promote lifecycle responsibility and resource efficiency. Policy instruments such as the Solid Waste Management Rules 2021[5], Hazardous (E-waste) Management Rules 2021[6], Sustainable Public Procurement Policy 2023[7] and the National 3R Strategy for Waste Management[8] further strengthen waste reduction and recovery systems.

Connection to the Global Agenda

Bangladesh contributes to the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement through its national development frameworks. The country has presented Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at the UN High-Level Political Forum in 2017[9], 2020[10], and 2025[11], which include reporting on Responsible Consumption and Production. Key environmental conventions ratified by Bangladesh, including Basel, Stockholm, Rotterdam, and Minamata, guide national chemical and hazardous waste management. At the national level, the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Agenda 2030.

A key solution to Climate Change

Bangladesh is committed to low-carbon development and climate resilience, integrating climate action into national planning. Its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets a 6.73% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to a business-as-usual scenario, with an additional 15.12% reduction conditional on international support, for a total reduction of up to 21.85%.[12] The NDC covers key sectors, including transport, power, and industry, and is supported by a comprehensive implementation roadmap and sectoral action plans.[13] Bangladesh has also adopted the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050[14], which outlines medium- and long-term strategies to address climate vulnerabilities and enhance resilience across various sectors.

Priority sectors for Sustainable Consumption and Production

Promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices in key sectors, including textiles, by reducing material footprints and improving eco-efficiency.11
Strengthening hazardous waste management through expanded treatment, regulatory oversight, and formalization of e-waste handling.11
Reducing food waste and enhancing recycling by implementing prevention, redistribution, and 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) strategies.11
Promoting sustainable industrial production through green technologies, cleaner processes, and eco-friendly innovation.[15]
Advancing sustainable agriculture by reducing carbon footprints and supporting environmentally friendly, inclusive farming. 15
Advancing sustainable public procurement by embedding green criteria, strengthening accountability, and fostering innovation across key sectors.7

[1] General Economics Division. (2020). Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021–2041

[2] World Bank. (2024). Extended Producer Responsibility: For Advancing Circular Economies for Plastics in Bangladesh

[3] UNIDO. (2025). Policy Packages for Bangladesh’s Circular Garment and Textile Transition

[4] World Bank. (2021). Towards a Multisectoral Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh

[5] Government of Bangladesh. (2021). Solid Waste Management Rules 2021

[6] Government of Bangladesh. (2021). Hazardous Waste (e-waste) Management Rules 2021

[7] Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority. (2023). Sustainable Public Procurement Policy 2023

[8] Government of Bangladesh. (2010). National 3R Strategy for Waste Management

[9] Government of Bangladesh. (2017). Bangladesh Voluntary National Review 2017

[10] Government of Bangladesh. (2020). Bangladesh Voluntary National Review 2020

[11] Government of Bangladesh. (2025). Bangladesh Voluntary National Review 2025

[12] Government of Bangladesh. (2021). Nationally Determined Contributions (Updated)

[13] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (2018). Roadmap and Action Plan for Implementing Bangladesh NDC

[14] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (2022). National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh 2023–2050

[15] SWITCH-Asia Programme. (2025). A Strategic Contribution to Strengthening Bangladesh’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0)

SWITCH-Asia Activities

A look back at milestones that shaped our work

2018

SCP Facility

Preliminary assessment of SCP related policies, activities, needs/gaps, and opportunities.

Regional Policy Advocacy Component (RPAC)

Facilitated the participation of Bangladeshi key-stakeholders in the following regional/ sub-regional activities:

Asia Pacific Low Carbon Lifestyles Challenge (19-22 Mar 2018), hosted by Thailand, regional level
Transforming Asia Pacific: Innovative Solutions, Circular Economy and Low Carbon Lifestyles (17-19 Sep 2018), hosted by Thailand, regional level
Asian Circular Economy Leadership Academy (3-8 Dec 2018), hosted by Thailand, regional level

2019

SCP Facility

A demand for support was received from the Bangladesh Planning Commission requesting support for the preparation of the Bangladesh National 10YFP on SCP and the Bangladesh National Action Plan on SCP;
A concept note with specific actions and timeline was approved by both the national government and the EU Delegation.

Regional Policy Advocacy Component (RPAC)

Facilitated the participation of Bangladeshi key-stakeholders in the following regional/ sub-regional activities:

“Sustainability Reporting – Thinking Circular Economy by Businesses” - This event was organised back-to-back with 2019 Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (27 Mar 2019), hosted by Thailand, regional level
Businesses Accelerating Inclusive Green Economies – "Leaving No One Behind” - Side event on the Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum co-organised by the Royal Thai Government, OECD, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ESCAP, International Labour Organization (ILO) and with the participation of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (11 Jun 2019), hosted by Thailand, regional level
WEBINAR: SDG 12.1 Reporting for SWITCH-Asia Countries – Connecting the dots between actions and reporting (5 Nov 2019), regional level
Policy Dialogue on SDG12 Reporting (21 Nov 2019), hosted by Vietnam, regional level
2019 SWITCH-Asia Leadership Academy on Circular Economy (2-6 Dec 2019), hosted by China, regional level
"Supporting decision making on SCP through training on Sustainable Procurement” - This event was organised back-to-back with International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Green Technology 2019 (11 Dec 2019, hosted by Thailand, regional level

2020

SCP Facility

Based on continued conversations between the government and the SCP Facility, a new concept note on green buildings was developed and signed off.
On the basis of the concept note, the assignment activities and deliverables were developed.

Regional Policy Advocacy Component (RPAC)

Facilitated the participation of Bangladeshi key-stakeholders in the following regional/ sub-regional activities:

SWITCH2Green Meeting (Apr 2020)- RPAC initiated the discussion and shared the first report in 2020.
Moving the Needle on Climate Change (10 Jun 2020)– The event was co-organised by the UNESCAP as a part of the 2020 Virtual United Nations Responsible Business and Human Right Forum (RBHRF), regional level
World Environment Day 2020 (5-7 Jun 2020)– A media kit was provided to call for action to promote SCP as a part of the 2020 World Environment Day (WED) celebration, regional level
Intervention in regional forum: Webinar on Sustainable Lifestyles for Plastics & Packaging Waste Management During a Pandemic COVID-19 (6 Aug 2020), regional level
SCP in Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges with COVID-19 (8 Oct 2020), regional level
Innovation and Connectivity through Farm to Fork (13 Nov 2020), regional level
Sustainable Lifestyles for SCP (19 Nov 2020), hosted by Thailand, regional level
Sub-regional Workshop on SPP for SACEP Countries (25 November 2020), the event was organised in partnership with South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) for South Asia region, Sub-regional level
Support to Steering Committee of SWITCH-Asia (3 Dec 2020)– RPAC provided support for the annual Steering Committee Meeting and proposed 2021 workplan, regional level
Regional Policy Dialogue on Circular Cities (4 Dec 2020), regional level
Regional Dialogue Driving Mechanisms for Eco-Design in Asia (9 Dec 2020), regional level
Leadership Academy on Circular Economy 2020 (14-18 Dec 2020), regional level
Webinar: Innovations & Startups (16 Dec 2020), regional level

2021

SCP Facility

Assignment launched in May 2021, seeking to integrate SCP implementation into the building and housing sectors by providing analysis, building capacity, and strengthening networks on green buildings / housing in Bangladesh.
Two experts providing expertise and consulting with stakeholders; aim to develop and support preparation of implementation of an Action Plan on Green Buildings.