Dhaka: State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today emphasized the urgent need for increased public awareness and stringent law enforcement to eliminate the use of banned polythene. The minister highlighted the severe threats posed by polythene to soil, water, air, and biodiversity, urging citizens, traders, and consumers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives like jute and cloth bags.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shaikh Faridul made these remarks while visiting Mohammadpur Krishi Market in the capital as part of an ongoing anti-polythene awareness campaign. He warned traders against the storage, sale, or supply of banned polythene products and assured that regular market inspections and awareness initiatives will continue to be enforced.
"In the past six months, 168 mobile courts filed 206 cases, imposed fines exceeding Taka 19 lakh, and seized over 50,000 metric tons of polythene," he stated, underlining the government's commitment to eco-friendly policies. During the market visit, eco-friendly shopping bags were distributed to both buyers and sellers as part of the campaign.
Senior officials from the ministry and the Department of Environment were present during the event, supporting the minister's call for a sustainable shift away from harmful polythene use.