Chattogram: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the necessity of enforcing the restriction on polythene to secure a healthy future for children. She asserted that the government is prepared to implement stricter measures to ensure the ban on polythene shopping bags is upheld.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana warned that failing to prevent polythene usage would result in severe harm to current and future generations. Speaking as the chief guest at a stakeholder consultation on combating polythene use, she highlighted its role in causing cancer and severe environmental damage, stressing the need for its elimination.
Rizwana noted that alternatives to polythene, such as cloth, paper, and jute bags, are already being used in Dhaka's super shopping malls, where polythene usage has been reduced by 90 percent. She emphasized the importance of youth participation in this initiative and mentioned the formation of committees to monitor markets.
She urged for collective efforts to combat hill cutting and noise pollution, stating the harmful impacts of polythene threaten the environment, biodiversity, and public health. Rizwana called for a collaborative approach involving the government, businesses, consumers, and local communities to address these issues.
The consultation, chaired by Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, also featured addresses from other prominent figures, including Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin and Deputy Secretary Siddhartha Shankar Kundu, who presented a keynote paper on polythene's adverse effects.
Following the event, Adviser Rizwana Hasan visited the Kazir Dewri vegetable market in Chattogram, engaging with shopkeepers and the public to raise awareness and encourage collective action against the use of banned polythene.