Unilever Bangladesh, CCC and YPSA extend partnership to advance plastic waste management in Ctg

Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) has renewed its tripartite partnership with Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) for a further two years, continuing joint efforts to strengthen the plastic waste management value chain and improve the livelihoods of waste workers in Chattogram.

The renewal was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a ceremony attended by Dr Shahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), as Chief Guest, according to a press release.

Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury (S), BN, Chief Conservancy Officer of CCC; Mohammed Arifur Rahman, Founder and CEO of YPSA; Ruhul Quddus Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited; and Shamima Akhter, Director Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications at Unilever Bangladesh Limited, were also present as special guests.

Dr City Shahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram Corporation, said, “This partnership reflects the importance of collaboration between city authorities, the private sector, and civil society in strengthening urban waste management systems. By working together, we can improve service delivery at the ward level while addressing environmental challenges that directly affect our communities.”

Ruhul Quddus Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, said, “Addressing plastic waste requires systemic change and sustained collaboration across the value chain. As part of Unilever’s global commitment to reducing plastic waste and accelerating circularity, we have been working in Bangladesh over the past five years to pilot and strengthen inclusive waste management models. Our continued partnership with Chattogram City Corporation and YPSA is an important step towards scaling impact-supporting waste workers, improving collection systems, and contributing to a more sustainable urban ecosystem.”

Mohammed Arifur Rahman, Founder and CEO of YPSA, said, “This initiative brings informal waste workers into a more organised system, helping improve income opportunities while strengthening access to safety measures and recognition. By combining community engagement with practical support on the ground, the initiative contributes to more resilient waste management practices and stronger local participation.”

During the event, two waste collectors and two scrap buyers were recognised for their contributions to plastic waste management in the city.

The renewed partnership will continue to focus on plastic waste collection and management, and promote behaviour change at the community level, contributing to a more efficient and inclusive waste management ecosystem in Chattogram.