DHAKA, Sept 18, 2024 (BSS) - Environmental, Forest and Climate Change 
Ministry Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said a nationwide drive against 
banned polythene shopping bags will begin on November 1 in 2024.
 
"The government has decided to strictly implement its activities to stop the 
production, stock, transport, marketing and use of banned polythene and 
polypropylene shopping bags," she said at a consultation with shop owners' 
associations and plastic goods businessmen here.
 
Rizwana said initially, there was a plan to conduct drives only in 
supermarkets from October 1 and it will be carried out as scheduled. 
 
She said all types of market authorities, including kitchen markets, will 
voluntarily stop the use of illegal polythene shopping bags from October 1, 
while the Department of Environment (DoE) will carry out awareness campaign. 
 
Law enforcement agencies will commence the nationwide drive from November 1 
next, she added.
 
Rizwana stressed finding alternatives to plastic to protect environment and 
ensure sustainable development. 
 
She informed that a fair of products alternative to plastics is scheduled to 
be held at the DoE here on September 29 next. 
 
The environmental adviser said plastic pollution poses threat not only to the 
environment but also to public health and that is why both the government and 
businessmen must play a responsible role to this end.
 
The secretary and additional secretaries of the ministry, President of 
Bangladesh Shop Owners Association Mohammad Helal Uddin, President of 
Bangladesh Plastic Packaging Roll Manufacturers Owners and Trade Association 
Abu Motaleb, President of Bangladesh Plastic Products Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association Shamim Ahmed, President of Plastic and Rubber Merchants 
Association of Bangladesh Haji Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, President of Bangladesh 
Bread and Confectionery Manufacturers Association Mohammad Jalal Uddin were 
present at the meeting, among others.