DHAKA, Sept 05, 2024 (BSS) – The Cabinet Division has instructed all government offices to use alternative products instead of plastic items, including files and folders.

The directive was issued today following a request from the Adviser of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change aimed at controlling environmental pollution caused by single-use plastic items, said a press release today. 

The Cabinet Division has requested all to use paper or other eco-friendly materials instead of plastic files and folders. 

It said cotton/jute fabric bags should replace plastic bags, while glass bottles and glasses are recommended instead of plastic water bottles.

Banners made from cotton fabric, jute, or biodegradable materials should be used instead of plastics and plastic lamination on invitation and visiting cards and promotional leaflets should be avoided.

Food packets provided at meetings/seminars should be made of paper or eco-friendly materials, it said, adding that the use of all single-use plastic products such as plates, glasses, cups, spoons and cutlery is discouraged. 

Pencils or paper pens should be used instead of plastic pens, it added. 

In all publications, including annual reports, plastic and laminated covers should be avoided and plastic-free flower bouquets are encouraged to use.

The Cabinet Division also requested all senior secretaries, secretaries, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to instruct their respective ministries/divisions and affiliated offices/agencies to take appropriate measures on the matters.

Additionally, as part of raising awareness and taking effective steps against plastic pollution, the Cabinet Division asked all secretaries of ministries/divisions to implement measures to declare Bangladesh Secretariat free from single-use plastics, as per a letter issued on August 15.

Notably, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notification on August 28, 2024, identifying 17 types of items/substances as 'single-use plastics.' On August 29, 2024, through another office order, the Ministry declared the cessation of single-use plastic at both personal and official levels within the Ministry and its affiliated offices/agencies, urging all officers and employees to take action.