The government has decided to strengthen the drive against polythene bags deploying Armed Forces, police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The number of the mobile courts would also be increased from now onwards.
The decision was taken at a meeting with the representatives of the plastic industry owners and plastic product producers, traders and exporters held at the Home Ministry, Ministry's Additional Secretary (Police and NTMC) Nasir-Ud-Dowla presided over the meeting.
While talking to media after the meeting, Nasir said that the meeting was called to exchange views with the stakeholders including the producers, traders, exporters and law enforcers.
"In the meeting, the issues of implementing the decision to ban the plastic products and polythene bags and strengthening the drives were discussed. The role of the people along with the government is important to prevent production of the product. We sought the cooperation of all stakeholders," he added.
According to the decision, production of the polythene bags, which are used in the super shops and shopping malls, would be stopped. Gradually, the decision to ban those bags would be implemented for all sectors, the Additional Secretary assured.
In response to a query, Environment and Climate Change Ministry Additonal Secretary Tapan Kumar Bishwas, a representative of the Ministry, said, "We are working to find out an alternative of those bags. the Textile and Jute Ministry has already taken steps to produce environment friendly shopping bags. some private entrepreneurs are also producing such bags."
At the meeting, the producers, traders and exporters have assured that they would cooperate with the government to implement its decision to ban polythene, he added.
The government has been operating drives across the country since November 1 last year to stop use of polythene bags.
