Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has called on all administrative and police officials to implement effective measures to enforce the ban on plastic polythene and polypropylene bags.
Speaking at a meeting on Sunday at the ministry’s conference room, Rizwana outlined a nationwide crackdown on polythene manufacturers set to commence on November 1.
She directed deputy commissioners, deputy inspector generals of police, police commissioners, and superintendents of police to take robust actions in this regard.
Starting October 1, operations to curb the use of polythene will begin in superstores, followed by enforcement in ten markets in Dhaka on November 1.
Rizwana emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental issues, including hill cutting, river encroachment, and pollution. She highlighted the detrimental effects of unchecked plastic usage, noting its role in soil fertility depletion, river pollution, and biodiversity loss.
“Strict actions are necessary at all levels to curb the use of polythene bags,” she said, urging officials to take appropriate actions within their jurisdictions to halt the production, transportation, and use of these bags.
Rizwana underscored the importance of a coordinated effort to achieve a polythene-free Bangladesh, with officials committing to support the initiative and raise public awareness while enforcing stringent regulations in their respective areas.