Sylhet: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed has announced that the polythene-free model market committee will be rewarded. She made this statement while addressing a view-exchange meeting on banning polythene and single-use plastic at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s conference room today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Farhina emphasized the possibility of establishing a model market free from polythene and plastic with the assistance of the market committee and various government departments. She assured that if such a market is successfully developed, the environment ministry will award the committee.
Dr. Farhina urged the formation of a committee involving local organizations in waste management. She stressed the need for a change in individual behavior to combat plastic and polythene pollution, stating that societal change begins with personal responsibility. Ensuring a safe environment for future generations is a collective duty, she remarked.
The environment secretary highlighted the environmental pollution issues, pointing out that improper waste management leads to river and canal filling and the introduction of microplastics into the human body. She noted ongoing government efforts, including legal actions against banned polythene and initiatives to raise awareness and promote alternative products.
The meeting was chaired by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad, with Additional Divisional Commissioner Debjit Singh attending as a special guest. Deputy Secretary Siddharth Shankar Kundu delivered a keynote paper outlining the harmful effects of polythene and the government’s initiatives to tackle this issue.
The event saw participation from the chief executive officer of the city corporation, police, forest department, other government departments, businessmen, hotel owners, journalists, and representatives of voluntary organizations.