TDS Desk:

The environment ministry would launch a countrywide drive on 1 November against the production, storage, distribution and use of polythene as well as polypropylene shopping bags.

On Wednesday, environment adviser Syed Rizwana Hasan made the announcement at a meeting with representatives from Shop Owners Association and plastic product producers.

She asked the plastic industry stakeholders to find alternatives to polythene bags for the betterment of public health, environment protection and sustainable economic development.

On 29 September, a fair for products, which can be used as alternatives to plastic items, would be held on the Department of Environment premises, Agargaon in the capital, Rizwana informed meeting participants.

In the meeting, participating businessmen and shop owners supported the interim government’s anti-polythene drive and assured authorities of extending necessary support, in this regard.

Business delegates joining the meeting included: Md Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association; Abu Motaleb, chief of Bangladesh Plastic Packaging, Roll Manufacturers Owners and Trade Association; Shamim Ahmed, president of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and others.

Drives in super shops

Rizwana also clarified that the pre-announced anti-polythene bag drive in super shops would begin on 1 October. From this date, the business authorities of all markets, including kitchen markets, would voluntarily ditch polythene bags and polypropylene bags in their areas of operations and also undertake relevant awareness-raising campaigns, she declared.