Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday said the government will begin distributing eco-friendly jute bags at subsidised rates to reduce the country’s dependence on polythene.

“Bangladesh banned polythene back in 2002, but 23 years on, we have yet to fully enforce it. If we fail to stop polythene, future generations will face dire consequences,” she said while addressing the launch of a jute bag marketing campaign at Karwanbazar.

Adviser Rizwana said the bags, durable for six months to a year, will serve as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic.

Citing examples from abroad, she said, “India has already banned polythene. Even war-torn Rwanda enforced the ban, saying plastic pollution does more harm than war itself. Countries like Tanzania have also succeeded. If they can do it, why not Bangladesh!”

The adviser said the programme will first cover Dhaka and gradually expand to other major cities. With the subsidised rates, consumers will be able to afford the bags easily, she added.

“We are not calling for a complete ban on all plastics—only single-use ones like polythene. On that, we are fully committed,” Rizwana said.

Speaking as a special guest, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative.

“Every year, Bangladesh imports plastic products worth several billion dollars while exports of jute goods remain negligible. Promoting jute bags will help save foreign currency and boost export earnings,” he said.

He mentioned that those currently involved in polythene production could be integrated into jute-based industries, minimizing the risk of job losses.

“On the contrary, employment opportunities will expand as jute products gain wider use. From unions to upazilas, jute-centered jobs will revive both the industry and its lost heritage,” the commerce adviser added.

In a collaborative effort to combat plastic pollution, the Ministries of Jute and Textiles, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Commerce have joined forces with the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to distribute subsidised jute bags.

Initially, TCB will distribute the bags through its 58 dealers, with plans to gradually scale up nationwide.