Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke at Theater Institute in Chattogram. Photo : PID

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 19, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said enforcement of the restriction on polythene is a must to ensure a healthy future for children.

She said the government will take harsher measures to enforce the ban on use of polythene shopping bags.

If the polythene use could not be prevented, it will cause unimaginable harm to the current and future generations, he said, adding that the polythene, which is responsible for cancer and severe environmental damage, must be eliminated.

Rizwana made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a stakeholder consultation on combating polythene use and conserving the environment at Theater Institute here this morning.

She pointed out that alternatives to polythene are already available.

"For instance, 90 percent of polythene use has been eliminated in Dhaka's super shopping malls, where cloth, paper, and jute bags are being used," the adviser said.

She highlighted the role of youth in this initiative and noted that committees have been formed to monitor markets.
 
Mentioning that polythene use will gradually be prevented across the country, Rizwana called for collective efforts to stop hill cutting and noise pollution.

"The harmful impacts of polythene threaten our environment, biodiversity, and public health. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort from the government, businesses, consumers, and local communities," she said.

The environment adviser warned that failure to take immediate action against polythene use would leave future generations to live in a devastated environment.

Chaired by Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, the consultation was addressed, among others, by Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin, Chattogram Range DIG Ahsan Habib Palash, Chattogram Metropolitan Additional Police Commissioner Md Humayun Kabir, and Chattogram City Corporation CEO Sheikh Md Touhidul Islam.

Deputy Secretary (Pollution Control) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Siddhartha Shankar Kundu, presented a keynote paper, highlighting the adverse effects of polythene.

Later, Adviser Rizwana Hasan visited the Kazir Dewri vegetable market in Chattogram.

She interacted with shopkeepers and commoners, urging all to work together to raise awareness and prevent the use of banned polythene.