Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the government will introduce a scheme to provide jute bags to the public at subsidised rates, aiming to reduce the use of environmentally harmful polythene shopping bags.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat plastic pollution across the country.
Speaking at a seminar and cleanliness drive held at the Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka, Rizwana stated that the Ministry of Textiles and Jute will play a key role in implementing the project.
She emphasized that the government is committed to promoting sustainable alternatives and that awareness campaigns will be launched to encourage the use of jute bags.
Rizwana highlighted the plan to support new entrepreneurs in the jute sector and said that organisations such as the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC), the SME Foundation, and the Joyeeta Foundation will be actively involved in the project. Their collaboration is expected to ensure a long-term, sustainable system for jute bag production and distribution.
Addressing the broader issue of plastic pollution, Rizwana urged citizens to take personal responsibility by reducing their use of unnecessary plastic items. She pointed out that alternatives to plastic do exist and should be adopted more widely.
While acknowledging that the transition will take time, she assured that the government will implement the initiative in phases.
The seminar was presided over by Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka. Other prominent speakers included Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr Md Kamruzzaman, ndc, Director General of the Department of Environment; Marian Rabe Knavelsrud, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka; Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka; Dr Zaki Uz Zaman, Country Representative of UNIDO Bangladesh; Dr Afia Shahnaz from Dhaka Medical College; and Professor Dr Md Mofizur Rahman from BUET.
At the event, Rizwana also called on Dhaka University to take a leading role by declaring its campus free from single-use plastics and noise pollution, setting an example for other institutions to follow.
