Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, urged all administrative and police officials to take effective measures in ensuring ban on plastic polythene and polypropylene bags.

A nationwide crackdown on polythene manufacturers will start from November 1 and all Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, Police Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police were asked to take effective measures in this regard.

She came up with the urge while speaking at a meeting held on Sunday at the ministry’s conference room.

She provided guidance on banning plastic polythene and polypropylene bags during the meeting, where the officials joined online.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that from October 1, the operation to stop polythene usage would begin in superstores, followed by 10 markets in Dhaka from November 1.

The adviser also called for active involvement in preventing hill cutting, river encroachment, and pollution.

She stressed the harmful impacts of unchecked plastic polythene usage on the environment, explaining that it depletes soil fertility, pollutes rivers and water bodies, and severely affects biodiversity.

“Strict actions are necessary at all levels to curb the use of polythene bags,” she said.

The adviser requested all administrative and police officials to take appropriate actions within their jurisdictions to stop the production, transportation, and use of polythene bags.

She remarked that a coordinated effort by the administration is key to building a polythene-free Bangladesh.

The officials present at the meeting committed to supporting the initiative and pledged to raise public awareness and enforce strict regulations in their respective areas.