In a bid to combat plastic pollution and enforce the ban on polythene shopping bags, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has launched an extensive nationwide campaign.
Since November 3, a total of 199 mobile court drives have been conducted across the country.
These efforts have resulted in fines amounting to Tk 2,572,300 imposed on 414 establishments and the seizure of 50,556 kilograms of banned polythene shopping bags.
Additional Secretary and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee Tapan Kumar Biswas, provided these updates during a press briefing held after a monitoring operation at Karwan Bazar the capital on Friday.
The operation, aimed at reducing the use of polythene bags in one of the busiest marketplaces in Dhaka, also served to promote eco-friendly alternatives.
Addressing the reporters, Tapan Kumar Biswas highlighted the adverse environmental impacts of polythene bags, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to biodiversity.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling these issues through both law enforcement and public awareness initiatives.
“As part of the ministry’s efforts, we are not only imposing penalties but also educating the public on the importance of using eco-friendly alternatives like jute bags, cloth bags, and wax-coated brown paper bags,” he said.
The chairman added that strict measures will continue to be implemented across the country, and the monitoring drives will be further intensified in the coming weeks.
During the monitoring operation at Karwan Bazar, shopkeepers and customers were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices. Several shops displayed eco-friendly bag options, including reusable jute and cloth bags.
Officials engaged with vendors and buyers, explaining the benefits of these alternatives over plastic bags.
As part of nationwide monitoring efforts, the ministry has undertaken comprehensive monitoring campaigns in both urban and rural areas to curb the production, sale, and use of polythene bags.
Officials from the Department of Environment are actively involved in ensuring compliance, while local authorities are being mobilized to support the initiative.
Tapan Kumar Biswas urged all stakeholders, including businesses, local authorities, and the public, to support the government’s initiative to protect the environment. “The success of this campaign depends on everyone’s participation. Together, we can reduce plastic pollution and create a cleaner, greener Bangladesh,” he said.
The monitoring team included high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Department of Environment.
They reiterated the government’s firm stance on maintaining a polythene-free environment for future generations.
