Despite being fully aware of its harmful impact on the environment and public health, the use of polythene and polypropylene shopping bags has continued unabated in Bangladesh. The BNP government enacted a law to prohibit use of polythene bags in 2002, yet this law was never implemented effectively due to administrative negligence and lack of focus. Over the years, the use of polythene has grown significantly, exacerbating environmental harm and contributing to unsustainable waste management practice.
In response, the interim government has taken a strong stance aimed at curbing the production, storage, transportation, marketing and use of illegal polythene and polypropylene shopping bags. Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan expressed optimism that market authorities, particularly those in fresh markets, would voluntarily eliminate the polythene usage. Besides, the Department of Environment will conduct widespread public awareness campaigns frequently to notify people regarding the environmental danger linked with polythene usage.
Rizwana emphasised that businesses must also adopt their stake of responsibility. She also mentioned that jute and cloth bags will be made available at all supermarkets and retail outlets as environment friendly alternatives.
According to media reports, the country's around 3,000 factories produce approximately 14 million plastic and polythene bags each day. Despite existing laws banning their production and usage, roughly 80 percent of the people continue to rely on these environmentally harmful products. Polythene waste, in particular, accumulates in soil and water bodies, creating serious environmental threat. The rivers surrounding Dhaka, such as the Buriganga, serve as stark reminder of the pollution’s scale caused by plastic waste. The accumulation of polythene has reached such a critical level that dredging operation in these rivers have become nearly impossible.
Bangladesh may move towards a more
sustainable future and mitigate the
environmental harm caused by decades
of unbridled polythene use by increasing
awareness and promoting the use of
eco-friendly alternatives.
According to Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), about 20 million polythene bags are discarded each day in Dhaka only, contributing to a rising environmental threat. The government’s decision to conduct raids targeting illegal polythene factories from November 1 is a welcome and necessary move.
However, it is important to consider the socio-economic consequence of this crackdown, particularly for the workers employed in these factories. The government should take proactive step to support the establishment of alternative bag production facilities, ensuring that workers can transition to new employment opportunities.
Furthermore, consumers often choose polythene bags because of their affordability. It will not be easy to encourage extensive behavioral change without making eco-friendly alternatives readily available at competitive price. Public awareness raising campaigns must focus to inform people regarding the long-term environmental cost of polythene usage while promoting accessible and affordable alternatives.
Some policymakers have already set a positive precedent by prohibiting plastic items at the Chief Adviser’s office and replacing them with glassware. Moreover, there are plans to make the Secretariat free of single-use plastic by December. If the government actively represents their commitment to eliminating polythene and plastic use, the general public will be more motivated to follow suit.
The government’s decision to ban the production and use of polythene demonstrates a significant and necessary step toward environmental protection. However, its success hinges on a collaborative effort involving government action, business responsibility and widespread public cooperation. Bangladesh may move towards a more sustainable future and mitigate the environmental harm caused by decades of unbridled polythene use by increasing awareness and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives.
