Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said that polythene ban is essential for ensuring a healthy future for the next generation. 

She emphasised that the government will take stricter measures to enforce ban on polythene shopping bags. Failure in this regard will cause unimaginable harm to the current and future generations. Polythene, responsible for cancer and severe environmental damage, must be eliminated.

Rizwana made these remarks on Sunday as the chief guest at a stakeholder consultation meeting on combating polythene use and conserving the environment, held at the Theater Institute, Chattogram.

She pointed out that alternatives to polythene are already available. For instance, 90% of polythene usage has been eliminated in Dhaka’s super shopping malls, where cloth, paper, and jute bags are being used.

Highlighting the role of youth in this initiative, she informed that committees have been formed to monitor markets.

The Adviser added that the harmful impacts of polythene threaten the environment, biodiversity, and public health. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort from the government, businesses, consumers, and local communities.

The meeting was presided over by Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain. Notable speakers included Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, Chattogram Range DIG Ahsan Habib Palash, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Md. Humayun Kabir, and Chattogram City Corporation CEO Sheikh Md. Touhidul Islam. Siddhartha Shankar Kundu, Deputy Secretary (Pollution Control) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, presented the keynote paper, highlighting the adverse effects of polythene and the resulting environmental challenges.

After the meeting, the Advisor visited the Kazir Dewri vegetable market in Chattogram. She interacted with shopkeepers and the public, urging everyone to work together to raise awareness and prevent the use of banned polythene.