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In the aftermath of the widespread student-people protests in July and August 2024, a remarkable initiative had emerged led by youth committed to restoring their communities. With the usual cleaning services of the city corporation unable to cope with the removal of the debris from the recent clashes, young students from various educational institutions stepped up to help restore the city to its former state.
In Bogura, a group of local youth initiated a conversation about a collaborative cleaning campaign with the municipality. The campaign received a significant boost when PRABRIDDHI supported them to lead a coordinated cleanup effort that aligns with the project’s ongoing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management initiative.
Since March 2024, PRABRIDDHI implemented by Swisscontact, has been supporting Bogura municipality in implementing the MSW model, which is designed to enhance waste management through an integrated system of waste collection, segregation, and sustainable disposal. It involves community-based organizations (CBOs) and focuses on reducing open dumping, promoting recycling and composting, and generating revenue through service fees. The model aims to improve waste management practices and encourage long-term behavior change within the community.
In line with this initiative, the project was able to resume its activities in Bogura successfully. PRABRIDDHI supported the youth in collaborating with the Bogura municipality and local ward councilors. The municipality provided them with necessary supplies and resources including leaflets, brochures, festoons and cleaning equipment, to not only clean up the city, but also to run an awareness campaign with city dwellers, shopkeepers, hawkers, and pedestrians regarding waste management. A detailed plan was developed, dividing the young volunteers into four teams for a comprehensive street cleaning operation. On August 12th, the teams commenced cleaning efforts at Shaat Matha, a central intersection. The volunteers swiftly mobilized to clear waste in the morning, quickly transforming a spontaneous effort into an organized citywide cleanup.
The volunteers along with the municipal officers came forward to clean and set up Bogura Sadar Thana, ensuring that the police could resume their duties in a clean and safe environment. They engaged with shopkeepers, hawkers, and pedestrians, promoting waste segregation and proper disposal practices whilst distributing leaflets and brochures. They promoted the use of personal containers for waste disposal instead of littering. The volunteers also highlighted specific no-dumping zones by placing festoons, aiming to educate the public about proper disposal points and inspire them to motivate others. The distinction between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and the benefits of composting was explained to residents through this campaign. These efforts went beyond immediate debris removal, supporting in advancing PRABRIDDHI’s goals of waste segregation and sustainable disposal practices.
As Bogura moves towards recovery, the effective collaboration between, municipality, young volunteers and PRABRIDDHI highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives. The successful campaign has inspired dialogues to appoint youth representatives in each ward to monitor the MSW model's implementation, giving them an opportunity to work part-time as volunteers in community services. This strategic move will not only engage young members of the community in development but also strengthen the overall waste management system in Bogura.