Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday said that jute bags would be provided to the public as an alternative to polythene shopping bags under a government initiative that includes subsidized distribution.
“A project has already been undertaken in this regard, and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute will collaborate to implement it,” Rizawna said at a seminar and cleanliness campaign held at the Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University, focused on measures to prevent plastic pollution.
To raise awareness about the use of jute bags, the adviser mentioned that a campaign will be launched.
“New entrepreneurs will also be developed around jute bag production,” she added, stressing that institutions such as the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC), the SME Foundation, and the Joyeeta Foundation will be engaged to ensure a sustainable system.
Rizwana said that everyone must work together to tackle plastic pollution.
“We ourselves must stop the use of unnecessary plastics,” she noted, adding that the perception that there are no alternatives to plastic is incorrect.
She further said that government initiatives cannot be implemented overnight, but assured that they will be executed gradually.
Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka, presided over the seminar.
Rizwana also called upon the University of Dhaka to declare its campus free from single-use plastics and noise pollution.
