Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that enforcement of the banning polythene is essential not only because it is legally prohibited but also for ensuring a healthy future for our children. She emphasized that the government will take stricter measures to enforce banned polythene shopping bags. Failure in this regard will cause unimaginable harm to the current and future generations. She said polythene, responsible for cancer and severe environmental damage, must be eliminated.
The Advisor made these remarks as the chief guest at a stakeholder consultation meeting on combating polythene use and conserving the environment, held at the Theater Institute, Chattogram, on Sunday morning.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan pointed out that alternatives to polythene are already available. For instance, 90% of polythene usage has been eliminated in Dhaka’s super shopping malls, where cloth, paper, and jute bags are being used. She highlighted the role of youth in this initiative and noted that committees have been formed to monitor markets. Polythene will gradually be eradicated nationwide. She also called for collective efforts to stop hill cutting and noise pollution.
The Advisor added that 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 warned that failure to take immediate action would leave future generations to live in a devastated environment.
The consultation meeting was presided over by Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain. Notable speakers included Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, Chattogram Range DIG Ahsan Habib Palash, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Md. Humayun Kabir, and Chattogram City Corporation CEO Sheikh Md. Touhidul Islam. Siddhartha Shankar Kundu, Deputy Secretary (Pollution Control) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, presented the keynote paper, highlighting the adverse effects of polythene and the resulting environmental challenges.
After the meeting, the Advisor visited the Kazir Dewri vegetable market in Chattogram. She interacted with shopkeepers and the public, urging everyone to work together to raise awareness and prevent the use of banned polythene.