As Bangladesh declares the date of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the country's politicians, policymakers, and citizens are gearing up to shape the country's future. The candidates being nominated in the election are now preparing to make several promises to the general public in hopes of seeking votes from them. Nominees may promise to build a new school, pave the roads, or provide a health care facility. While these development-oriented commitments are fundamental, the commitment to address Bangladesh’s pressing environmental issues remain neglected. Due to the irresponsible disposal of polythene waste, about 80 percent of Dhaka’s sewage and drainage is blocked by polythene bags. As a result, even a little rain causes instant waterlogging.
About six months ago, we saw the 2025 World Environment Day campaign use the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution emphasising the need for global efforts to tackle plastic pollution. Nearly two decades ago, Bangladesh proudly led the charge against plastic pollution and was the first country to ban plastic shopping bags in the market. This pioneering step set an inspiring precedent for other countries. After the polythene ban, plastic bag use came down to almost zero. The ban, recognized as a tremendous exemplary step to reduce environmental pollution, was successful for several years.
However, the then stringent enforcement of the polythene ban has gradually lost its enthusiasm, contributing to a decline in public awareness. Despite the existing ban, the nationwide implementation of laws prohibiting polythene usage faces considerable hurdles owing to ineffective enforcement and a lack of widespread consciousness among the general public. Consequently, it is increasingly challenging to gauge the prevalence of harmful plastic bags in Bangladesh, whether in the busy city kitchen markets or the remote villages.
There was a time in Bangladesh when people carried a jute bag in hand when visiting the kitchen markets to buy their daily necessities. Nowadays, many go to the market without a reusable bag. A study by the World Bank reveals that despite various initiatives to reduce plastic use, plastic bags have increased almost three times between 2005 and 2020 in Bangladesh. Additionally, a study by the Environment and Social Development Organization states that around 87,000 tonnes of single-use plastic is used annually in Bangladesh. The transboundary rivers of Bangladesh carry approximately 15,345 tonnes of single-use plastic waste daily. A large amount of plastic waste, therefore, falls into the Bay of Bengal every year.
Reinstating the ban on plastic bags is therefore crucial to tackle the problem of plastic pollution. Addressing this challenge requires collaborative efforts between governments, political leaders, and social organisations. Including a commitment to ban polythene bags in the election manifesto and prioritising environmental awareness would be significant.
When political parties include a good deed in their manifesto, that deed becomes a responsibility and the initiative can significantly influence social consciousness. Since political leaders maintain strong relationships with the general public, they can raise public awareness. Additionally, suggesting possible alternatives to plastic can motivate the public. Encouraging the use of biodegradable bags, championing the discovery of reusable alternatives, and encouraging innovation in sustainable packaging are some necessary steps towards establishing alternatives to polythene bags. Furthermore, all these tasks will be much easier when the election manifesto includes a pledge to eliminate polythene bag pollution. Finally, as the nation advances toward the polls, the commitment to a polythene-free future is a cornerstone in developing a conscientious and sustainable, smart Bangladesh.
Kabir Uddin is a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist and Bangladesh Country Focal Point at ICIMOD, Nepal.
