Framework for Sound Management of Chemicals: Toward a Sustainable Chemicals Industry in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh entered the group of middle-income countries in 2015. The ever-increasing manufacturing sector is the key player behind its GDP growth, which led to a substantial rise in chemical demand in the past decade. As 2020 approached, scrutiny intensified over the global performance toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of 12.4 (i.e., achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life-cycle by 2020). This study aims to shed light on the status of Bangladesh in this regard. The study includes a review of the existing rules and regulations regarding chemical management followed by an analysis of a major chemical incident that took place in Old Dhaka in February 2019 aiming to identify the gaps and challenges on the ground for attaining sound chemicals management in Bangladesh. Additionally, a framework for sound chemicals management including options for regulatory authority is proposed based on international guidelines and local needs.