Dhaka, 1 October 2024:Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has urged the public to use alternatives to polythene shopping bags, stressing the importance of stopping polythene usage to protect the environment. She called on shoppers, sellers, and the general public to comply with the government’s decision to introduce alternatives to polythene bags in superstores, effective from 1 October.
Environment Advisor made these remarks while inaugurating the program for the use of alternative shopping bags at Agora and Meena Bazar superstores in the capital on Tuesday, 1 October. Rizwana Hasan emphasized that the campaign is solely focused on eliminating polythene shopping bags.
She further stated that from 1 October, no one will be allowed to bring or receive polythene shopping bags from markets. The next step will be to ban single-use plastics. To achieve this, cooperation among the public, businesses, and all stakeholders is crucial.
The Advisor mentioned that superstores are willingly implementing this decision and offering alternative suggestions themselves. Discussions with the Ministry of Jute have been held, and actions against polythene production will begin in November. She also called for increasing awareness among both buyers and sellers.
Present at the event were the Secretary and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the Director General of the Department of Environment, leaders of the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association, and representatives from the Superstore Owners Association.
All participants pledged their commitment to implementing this government decision. During the visit, the Advisor interacted with customers, sellers, and students.