Strict monitoring from Nov 1 to enforce ban on polythene bags: Rizwana

Strict monitoring will be in place to ensure the ban on the use of polythene shopping bags starting from November 1.

This announcement was made by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, on Sunday.

She also mentioned that actions will be taken against polythene shopping bag manufacturers, as well as legal measures against supermarkets providing such bags.

The announcement was made during a special meeting at the Ministry of Textiles and Jute in Bangladesh Secretariat, where Rizwana was the chief guest.

The meeting focused on implementing the 2010 Mandatory Jute Packaging Act and promoting the use of jute bags as an alternative to plastic.

Advisor Rizwana Hasan stressed the importance of people stopping the use of plastic bags to halt production. She emphasised the need for public awareness and warned of consequences for intentional negligence. Initiatives will be launched to educate people on the harmful effects of plastic bags and encourage them to voluntarily avoid using them.

Brig Gen (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Textiles and Jute, and Shipping Adviser, also highlighted the significance of increasing the use of jute bags to protect the environment.

He assured that steps would be taken to ensure an adequate supply of jute bags, even suggesting halting raw jute exports if necessary.

Other attendees included Md. Abdur Rauf, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Zeenat Ara, Director General of the Jute Department, and representatives from various business associations.

[email protected]