Nationwide campaign against "polythene shopping bags" from November 1

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that a nationwide campaign against "polythene shopping bags" will be taken from November 1.

Earlier it was decided to conduct raids only in super shops from October 1, which will be implemented as per rules.

He said that the government has taken a decision to strictly implement the production, storage, transportation, marketing and use of prohibited polyethylene and polypropylene shopping bags.

He said these things in the evening of September 18 in the consultation meeting organized with shop owners association and plastic product traders to deal with the adverse effects of plastic on the environment.

He said that all market authorities of the country, including raw markets, will ban illegal polythene shopping bags on their own initiative from October 1 and the Department of Environment will implement awareness programs. The law will be enforced nationwide from November 1.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan stressed on finding alternatives to plastic usage for environmental protection and sustainable development. He said that a plastic alternative fair has been organized at the Department of Environment on September 29.

The environmental advisor also said that plastic pollution is not only a threat to the environment but also to public health. Therefore, along with the government, businessmen also have to play a responsible role.

Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Md. Helal Uddin, President of Bangladesh Plastic Packaging Roll Manufacturers Owners and Trade Association Abu Motaleb, President of Bangladesh Plastic Products Manufacturer and Exporter Association Shamim Ahmed, President of Plastic and Rubber Merchant Association of Bangladesh Haji Md. Kamrul Hasan, President of Bangladesh Bread and Confectionery Manufacturers Association. Leaders of various business associations including Jalal Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Additional Secretaries were present.

The traders and shop owners present in the meeting agreed with the government's decision and assured necessary assistance.