Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of  Environment, Forest and Climate Change today asked local administrations and police to take effective steps to prevent the use of banned polythene. 

She came up with the directives while addressing all Divisional Commissioners (DCs), Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of Police, Police Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police at a meeting held at the ministry’s conference room here. 

The adviser provided guidance on banning plastic polythene and polypropylene bags during the meeting, where the officials joined online.

She said from October 1, drives to stop polythene use would begin in superstores, while 10 kitchen markets in Dhaka from November 1. 

However, she said a nationwide crackdown on polythene manufacturers will start from November 1. 

Rizwana called upon all concerned to provide all out cooperation to the administrative efforts in this regard.

The adviser highlighted the harmful impacts of unchecked plastic polythene use on the environment, explaining that it depletes soil fertility, pollutes rivers and water bodies and severely affects biodiversity.

Therefore, strict action is imperative at all levels to curb the use of polythene bags, she added.

Rizwana asked all administrative and police officials to take appropriate actions within their jurisdictions to stop the production, transportation, and use of polythene bags. 

She said a coordinated effort by the administration is key to building a polythene-free Bangladesh.

Rizwana called for active involvement in preventing hill cutting, river encroachment and pollution for the sake of protecting environment.

The officials who joined the meeting virtually committed to supporting the initiative and pledged to raise public awareness and enforce strict regulations in their respective areas to this end.