Speakers at a rally in Dhaka have called on the government to take immediate steps to stop illegal lead-acid battery recycling, describing it as a “silent public health crisis” that threatens millions of Bangladeshi children and the nation’s future. They urged the authorities to ensure environmentally sound management and strict enforcement of regulations to prevent lead exposure and protect the environment.
The rally, organised by YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DoE) and with support from UNICEF, was held at the Dhaka Press Club to mark International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025. This year’s global theme, “No Safe Level: Act Now to End Lead Exposure,” underscored the urgency of the issue as organisers and participants reiterated their commitment to a lead-free Bangladesh.
During the human chain, participants demanded that the government take comprehensive measures to eliminate lead pollution. They called for recognising lead as a toxic chemical, conducting nationwide blood lead surveys, enforcing strict standards for consumer products, shutting down illegal and unsafe battery recycling factories, and cleaning up contaminated sites. The speakers also stressed the importance of strengthening research and laboratory capacity, training officials and youth, raising public awareness, and developing a national lead-control strategy.
The event was part of a month-long nationwide campaign taking place across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Around 18 partner organisations are participating in the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure. More than 150 participants, including youth groups, volunteers, environmental activists, government officials, students, and journalists, joined the rally and formed a human chain from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. They carried banners and placards bearing messages such as “End Lead Pollution, Save Future Generations,” while leaflets and stickers were distributed among passersby.
Bangladesh currently ranks fourth in the world for lead contamination, with nearly 36 million children—around 60 percent of all children—showing elevated blood lead levels. Experts say that lead exposure impairs brain development in children, causes behavioural issues, and increases the risk of heart disease in adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead exposure causes around 140,000 deaths every year in Bangladesh and costs the economy about $28.6 billion, equivalent to 6–9 percent of the country’s GDP. Unsafe battery recycling, lead-based paints, aluminium cookware, contaminated spices, toys, cosmetics, and fish feed are among the major sources of lead pollution.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said that the youth have a vital role to play in addressing the crisis. “Lead pollution is devastating for children, but it is entirely preventable,” he said. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, pollution-free environment. Through youth engagement, we can raise awareness and take concrete actions to protect future generations.”
Mitali Das, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, warned that lead contamination has infiltrated soil, water, and air, entering the food chain. “This toxic metal is harming children, families, and workers across Bangladesh,” she said. “Pure Earth is promoting safe recycling practices, cleaning contaminated sites, strengthening government capacity, and mobilising youth nationwide to build a lead-free future.”
Md. Maruf Mohaimen, Research Officer (Waste and Chemical Management) and Focal Person for Lead at the Department of Environment, said the government is prioritising action against lead pollution. “Preventing lead pollution is a national priority,” he said. “We are working closely with communities, NGOs, and industries to enforce laws, promote safe practices, and raise awareness so that every citizen can live in a lead-free, healthy Bangladesh.”
