TDS Desk:

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Environment, Forests and Climate Change of the Interim Government, Monday said that from October 1, no polythene shopping bags and polypropylene bags can be kept and given to customers in supershops.

“As an alternative, jute and cloth bags will be placed in or in front of all supershops for customers to purchase, she said, adding that “youth or students will be involved here”.

The Environment Adviser said these at the Secretariat on Monday (September 9).

Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that from September 15, the issue of shopping bag avoidance will be widely publicized in print and electronic media from October 1. A gazette notice will be published in newspapers.

She said that the textile and jute ministry will hold a meeting with all the supershops within a week and take necessary measures to ensure the supply of jute shopping bags.

The Environment Adviser also said that the Department of Environment along with ESDO will organize a fair with the producers of jute or textile bags made from alternative eco-friendly materials by September 30. Supershop authorities and producers can discuss their demand and supply at the fair.