Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has said that the use of polythene bags will be banned in supermarkets from October 1 and in all kitchen markets from November 1.
"Jute, fabric, and paper bags will have to used as alternatives to plastic and polypropylene bags," she said.
The adviser emphasized that the move aims to enforce the existing ban on polythene and polypropylene bags and that legal action will be taken to ensure compliance.
"We are set to implement the law from October 1 in supermarkets and from November 1 in kitchen markets. Additionally, from November 1, we will launch operations against polythene manufacturers. Everyone is being given ample time to adapt, and we are also working on providing alternatives," she said during a discussion on Tuesday at the Town Hall in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.
The discussion, organized by the Dhaka North City Corporation's (DNCC) Market Traders' Association, focused on the challenges and opportunities in banning polythene shopping bags.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, "The government intends to expand the use of alternatives to polythene inspiring people, instead of intimidating, or giving them punishment. "The use of polythene, a curse to the environment, climate and bio-diversity must be stopped at any cost."
Prior to the discussion, the environment adviser inaugurated a cleanup drive at the Town Hall kitchen market and distributed alternative materials to replace polythene. She also launched the installation of bins and permanent notice boards to collect existing polythene packaging from the market.
The adviser further explained that jute, fabric, and paper bags will serve as alternatives to plastic and polypropylene bags. She mentioned that the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association, along with 20-25 companies, will supply jute, fabric, and paper bags. Supermarkets have already placed their orders, and arrangements have been made to meet their demand.
Highlighting the government's long-standing stance against polythene, Rizwana said, "There's nothing new about this ban. It has been legally enforced since 2002. While we have conducted operations in various polythene production sites, the markets have never been targeted, allowing the unchecked flow of polythene bags."
Officials from the Ministry of Environment, including the secretary, additional secretary, director general of the Department of Environment, and members of the DNCC Market Traders' Association, were present at the discussion.
