Youth-led cleanup efforts at CRB highlighted the need for sustained municipal services, accessible waste-disposal facilities and shared responsibility to maintain the public space.
Young volunteers in Chattogram have called for a regular municipal cleaning system, designated waste bins and greater public participation to keep the Central Railway Building (CRB), one of the city’s well-known public spaces, clean.
The campaign, organised by Youth People of Bangladesh (YPB), was held at the CRB area from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sept 23 as part of the broader spirit of World Cleanup Day, observed globally on Sept 20.
Young volunteers collected waste from different parts of the area, spoke with local shopkeepers about keeping their surroundings clean and placed awareness stickers at shops. Shopkeepers and members of the public were encouraged not to dispose of waste indiscriminately and to use designated waste-disposal points.
Speaking during the campaign, YPB Founder and Chief Executive Sidratul Munthaha said the accumulation of waste at CRB was a recurring concern, particularly because the area has a large number of shops and attracts thousands of visitors.
“A significant amount of waste accumulates in the CRB area on a regular basis. There are many shops here, but not all of them use waste bins, which means waste often accumulates around the shops. The problem becomes more visible when regular cleaning is not carried out,” Sidratul Munthaha said.
He called for a regular and sustainable cleaning system rather than relying only on occasional cleanup campaigns.
“Our goal is not simply to clean CRB for one day. We want to see a practical, permanent solution. I would like the Chattogram City Corporation to ensure that dedicated cleaning workers regularly visit the CRB area and maintain cleanliness,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of installing sufficient and clearly identified waste bins at appropriate locations.
“Thousands of people come to CRB every day to spend time, walk around and enjoy the area. It is a public space where people should be able to relax in a clean environment. When there are no clearly designated waste-disposal points, waste can accumulate quickly. My sincere appeal is for a regular municipal cleaning system, adequate waste bins and stronger monitoring so that CRB can remain clean throughout the year,” he added.
The campaign also focused on encouraging behavioural change among shopkeepers, visitors and local communities. Volunteers urged businesses to keep waste inside or near designated disposal points rather than leaving it on roadsides or public spaces.
Organisers said community-led cleanup campaigns can remove accumulated waste and raise awareness, but long-term cleanliness requires regular municipal services, adequate waste-disposal infrastructure and responsible behaviour from businesses and visitors.
The initiative promotes Responsible Consumption and Production under Sustainable Development Goal 12 while contributing to broader goals related to sustainable communities, environmental protection and climate action.
The organisers said the campaign was inspired by the wider objectives of World Cleanup Day, which brings communities and volunteers together around the world to address litter and promote cleaner public spaces.
YPB said keeping CRB clean should be viewed as a shared responsibility involving local authorities, businesses, residents, visitors and young people.
The organisation called for closer cooperation between community volunteers and municipal authorities to establish a system in which waste is regularly collected, disposal points are available and public spaces are continuously maintained.
The campaign was organised by Youth People of Bangladesh (YPB) in collaboration with the Plastic Circularity Project, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, implemented by UNDP Bangladesh and supported by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).
