To enforce the ban on polythene shopping bags, the Ministry of Environment’s monitoring committee has been actively conducting regular market inspections. This past Saturday morning, the monitoring team carried out awareness activities at the Banani kitchen market, Banani DCC market, Cherry Shopping Complex, and Shwapno Super Shop.
The initiative, led by Additional Secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, head of the monitoring team, included Joint Secretary Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Deputy Secretary Rubina Ferdousi, and other committee members. They distributed leaflets to the public, promoting the use of jute and cloth bags as alternatives to polythene and warned that strict actions would be taken if polythene is found in future inspections.
Tapan Kumar Biswas stated that since November 3, rigorous action has been taken against the production and sale of polythene. Over the past week, 67 mobile court drives have been conducted, resulting in fines totaling BDT 613,700 for 142 shops and establishments, with a seizure of 12.696 tons of illegal polythene. Additionally, one illegal polythene manufacturing factory has been sealed. He further emphasized that these operations will continue.
He added that awareness efforts at various kitchen markets and super shops are gradually helping reduce the use of polythene.