“A beautiful society and state are built through the participation of all citizens. When people step forward to help each other from their own position, doors to new possibilities open.” — Save Earth Society
As a rapidly urbanising country, Bangladesh generates thousands of tonnes of rubbish per day; much of it ends up on highways, canals, and public places. According to the Department of Environment (DoE) and the World Bank (2022), cities such as Bangladesh's Dhaka and Cumilla create more than 3,000 tonnes of waste each day, with poor waste segregation and low public awareness being major issues.
Left unchecked, this garbage provides a breeding ground for waterborne infections, air pollution, and vector-borne illnesses, causing public health problems and lowering quality of life, particularly in urban slums and low-income communities.
Cumilla is not only one of Bangladesh’s most historically rich cities—it is also a hub of education, trade, and culture. Known for its clean, tree-lined avenues and historic sites, the city has long prided itself on its identity. But with population growth and poor municipal waste management, even Cumilla is seeing its urban beauty give way to piles of plastic, food waste, and sewage overflow.
Save Earth Society mobilised over 60 volunteers for a city-wide cleanup drive in key locations.
The Save Earth Society Clean-Up Campaign
Launched in early 2024, the "Clean Cumilla" campaign began with a simple vision: "My Street, My Responsibility." Over 60 young volunteers, students, and community leaders participated in sweeping, collecting, sorting, and disposing of roadside waste in a sustainable manner.
Key Actions:
Clearing waste from public roads, alleys, and near schools
Educating locals about hygiene and garbage segregation
Distributing eco-bins and biodegradable bags in marketplaces
Collaborating with local municipal waste handlers for proper disposal
“People didn’t believe young people would clean the streets. But when they saw us sweeping in gloves and masks, they joined in,” said Sumaiya, a volunteer from Cumilla Victoria College.
Civic Engagement Through Action
The campaign isn't just about cleaning—it's about transforming civic values.
Too often, urban residents see cleanliness as the government’s job. Save Earth Society challenges this mindset, promoting a culture of shared responsibility.
“Garbage is not just a sanitation problem—it’s a reflection of our ethics,” said Md Mahamudul Hasan, founder of Save Earth Society. “We’re trying to bring that shift.”
Environmental and Health Impact
According to WHO (2021), over 30% of urban diseases in Bangladesh can be linked to poor waste management and unclean environments. Save Earth Society’s campaign offers a preventive approach to:
Promote mental well-being through clean, open spaces
The team reported removing over 1.5 tonnes of mixed waste during the campaign’s first week alone.
Sustainable Models
The organisation is developing sustainable waste education modules for schools and colleges and planning to:
Install permanent segregated dustbins in hotspots
Launch a community composting program for food markets
Engage street vendors in reducing single-use plastics
Youth at the Forefront
With Bangladesh’s population being over 60% under the age of 35 (UNDP, 2023), engaging youth in environmental leadership is key. Save Earth Society’s model empowers them through:
Leadership training
Eco-volunteering badges
Waste audit challenge
Social media activism (#CleanCumilla)
Thought
“We thought the streets would never be clean. But today, we’re proud. Cumilla is our home—we must protect it.” — Azim, local shopkeeper
“When I saw students cleaning drains, I realised I had no excuse. I joined, and now I teach my kids to do the same.” — Fatema Begum, mother of three
Recommendations
Based on the campaign’s findings, Save Earth Society recommends:
Mandatory school modules on waste ethics
Government-NGO partnerships for city-wide sanitation drives
Tax incentives for businesses adopting zero-waste practices
Citizen waste councils for local monitoring
To track effectiveness, the group uses:
Before-and-after photo surveys
Waste collected logs
Community feedback
Volunteer reflections
References
Department of Environment (DoE). (2022). Solid Waste Management in Urban Bangladesh. Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
