50-Foot ‘Plastic Monster’ at Cox’s Bazar Beach Highlights Human Negligence

A giant sculpture known as the ‘plastic monster’, standing nearly 50 feet tall and weighing five tonnes, has been installed at Cox’s Bazar beach to highlight the severe impact of environmental pollution and public negligence.

The sculpture was created through an initiative by the volunteer organisation Bidyanondo Foundation, with support from the Cox’s Bazar district administration. A team of artists and sculptors from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka helped build the installation.

The sculpture was made using around five tonnes of discarded plastic waste collected from the beaches of Cox’s Bazar, Inani, Teknaf and Saint Martin’s Island. The waste included empty plastic bottles, containers and polythene wrappers. Wood, nails and glue were also used to construct its framework.

The main aim of the initiative is to raise awareness among tourists and local residents about how the careless disposal of plastic threatens the marine environment and biodiversity. The giant sculpture is on display to warn beachgoers about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and encourage them to act responsibly to protect the environment.

Those involved in the initiative say tackling plastic pollution is now essential to protecting marine biodiversity and the environment. As part of the #SaveOurOceans campaign, the installation has encouraged visitors to reflect on the problem and highlighted the need for greater environmental awareness.