Polythene Bags to Be Banned in Supermarkets from October 1: Rizwana

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today reiterated that polythene and polypropylene bags will be banned in all supermarkets from October 1 while in other markets from November 1.

To enforce the ban on the use of polythene bags in markets, legal steps would be taken against the law violators after the timeframe, she said adding actions will also be taken against polythene producers from November 1. 

The Environment Advisor made the announcements at a discussion on the challenges and possibilities of banning polythene shopping bags held at the office of the Mohammadpur Town Hall Market Traders' Association here.

She mentioned that the government is working to provide alternatives to polythene shopping bags. Prior to the meeting, Rizwana inaugurated a clean-up campaign and distributed alternative materials to polythene in the market. Bins and permanent notice boards were also installed there for collecting polythene and other plastic packaging.

Rizwana Hasan said the ban on plastic bags in supermarkets is not a unilateral decision by the government but the decision was taken in consultation with supermarket owners.  Alternatives such as jute, fabric, and paper bags will be provided by 20-25 companies, including the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association, she said.

Supermarkets have already placed their orders and arrangements are in place to meet their demands, she added. The adviser said the use of polythene bags has been illegal since 2002 and actions will now be taken to strictly enforce the law.

The Secretary and Additional Secretary of the ministry, Director General and Director of the Department of Environment and President of Mohammadpur Town Hall Market Traders' Association were present.