Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern over unbridled plastic pollution in the country creating risk for lives and livelihoods despite there being law in this regard.
It also urged the authorities concerned to duly enforce the relevant law to help check illegal plastic manufacturing, marketing and usage, as well as ensure transparency among stakeholders including individuals, organisations and programmes.
The Dhaka chapter of the Germany-based anti-corruption watchdog made the call in a statement on Sunday, a day ahead of the World Environment Day today (Monday).
The TIB said Bangladesh as the first country of the world banned the use of polythene shopping bags in 2002. Yet there is rampant use of plastic as single use of plastic while laminated plastic has not been banned in the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995.
It urged the government agencies concerned to make necessary amendments to some provisions of the law to properly implement it so that illegal use of the plastic can be prevented.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said 2.47 per cent of the global plastic pollution takes place in Bangladesh.
"Despite polythene use has been banned by law, due to lack of its effective implementation, environment pollution from plastic has not only remained unchecked, but also increased," he said.
Due to plastic and other garbage dumping, rivers like Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakshya and Karnaphuli have become the most polluted rivers in Bangladesh, he said.
"Existence of plants and other living beings are endangered due to pollution in our ecosystem resulting from plastic contamination," he said.
Besides, a huge amount of micro plastic in chemical fertilisers used in agriculture is causing permanent soil pollution, he said.
He underscored the need for framing guidelines soon for proper management of plastic goods manufacturing, decreasing its use, and plastic waste dumping.
He also called for proper implementation of the existing laws and amending the provisions where necessary to help check illegal use of the plastic.
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