Khulna: An oath-taking ceremony pledging to eliminate polythene use was held at the District Bar Association auditorium, marking a first for the city. The event was organized by Gonotantrik Odhikar Shurokkha Moncho, Khulna, during the orientation ceremony of its newly formed executive committee.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Advocate Abdullah Hossain Bacchu, Convener of the Khulna District Bar Association, attended the event as the chief guest. Advocate Khan Moniruzzaman, Convener of the organizing body and President of the Income Tax Lawyers Association, presided over the ceremony. The event also featured former Chief Medical Officer of Khulna University Dr. AKM Kamrul Islam as a special guest. Member Secretary of the Committee Kazi Motahar Rahman Babu, Executive members Advocate Md Mominul Islam, and Sardar Abu Taher also addressed the gathering, with Advocate Md Zobaer Sheikh conducting the proceedings.
During the event, speakers cited a study by Khulna University, highlighting the presence of microplastics in 17 species of fish and three species of shellfish in major rivers flowing through the Sundarbans. These microplastics, along with polythene found in fish stomachs, contribute to global warming and trigger natural calamities like earthquakes and lightning. Bangladesh produces around 24,000 metric tons of polythene waste daily, which adversely affects soil fertility, causes waterlogging, and reduces river navigability.
Quoting the Water, Air, and Soil Pollution journal, speakers noted that microplastic particles found in the stomachs of Hilsa fish in Bangladesh pose a potential cancer risk. They warned that global plastic use might triple by 2060, with plastic waste in soil and water increasing by 50 percent by 2040.
Participants pledged to completely abandon polythene use and encourage others to do the same. They urged the Department of Environment to strictly enforce the Environmental Conservation Act, 1995, to halt the production, sale, and marketing of polythene. The speakers emphasized that only through such measures will Khulna become a livable city for future generations. During the event, the Bar Association convener announced that over a hundred lawyers would take the same oath later this month.