Plastic traders have sought more time from the government to implement its decision to ban polythene.
They alleged no discussions were held with them regarding the decision to ban polythene, and it was being imposed suddenly.
Traders made the comments at a press conference organized by the Plastic Foundation of Bangladesh at the Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity.
They also said that if an alternative is arranged and given at least six months to a year to phase it out, it would be more effective and traders would not face as much loss.
Abu Motaleb, president of the Bangladesh Plastic Packaging, Roll Manufacturing Owners Association, said: “With repeated increases in gas and electricity prices, rising rents from landlords, extortion during the previous government, and contradictory decisions by the current government, traders are already in a difficult position. If another blow to business is dealt, the government’s tax revenue will decrease, the industry will suffer more losses, and foreign investment will drop. The current scenario is fragile, and if needed, traders will take to the streets."
In a written statement, Shamim Ahmed, president of the Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association and coordinator of the Plastic Foundation, said that the goal of banning plastic shopping bags in 2022 has not been achieved. It has not been possible to produce and supply affordable, high-quality, and easy-to-use alternatives. Recycling and reusing must be increased to save the environment, and proper management is needed.
Highlighting the benefits of plastic, he said: "According to the Food Safety Act, iodized salt cannot be packaged without plastic. The current government wants to add Vitamin A to edible oil, which is also not possible without plastic containers. Liquid milk cannot be marketed without plastic packaging. Additionally, single-use plastics are necessary for tasks like tree saplings, textile, and jute packaging."
On June 20, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued a notice announcing the decision to phase out 17 single-use plastic products.