Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has announced that the city markets which will free of polythene and polypropylene shopping bags by December 31 will be awarded.
The adviser made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting with business leaders at the Department of Environment (DoE) conference room in Dhaka on Sunday.
Production, transportation, marketing and storage of polythene bags are strictly prohibited at shopping malls as polythene poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health. So she urged the businessemen to step up and help implement the ban.
She said environment-friendly alternatives, such as jute bags, must be used and students will be encouraged and involved in this effort.
The government is taking strict measures against the law violators and businesses are invited to partner in this initiative.
During an open discussion, business leaders expressed their agreement with the government's decision and offered suggestions, including focusing on stopping the use of polythene at its source.
The meeting, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, also featured speeches from the Additional Secretary and the Director General of the Department of Environment.
