To control environmental pollution caused by single-use plastic items, the Cabinet Division has instructed all government offices to use alternative products.

This directive was issued on Thursday following a request from the Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, said a media release signed by Dipankar Bar, senior information officer of the ministry.

The Cabinet Division has requested that paper or other eco-friendly materials be used instead of plastic files and folders. Cotton or jute fabric bags should replace plastic bags. Glass bottles and glasses are recommended instead of plastic water bottles.

Banners made from cotton fabric, jute, or biodegradable materials should be used instead of plastic banners. Plastic lamination on invitation cards, visiting cards, and promotional leaflets should be avoided, it reads.

It has been emphasized that food packets provided at meetings or seminars should be made of paper or eco-friendly materials. The use of all single-use plastic products such as plates, glasses, cups, spoons, and cutlery is discouraged. Pencils or paper pens should be used instead of plastic pens. In all publications, including annual reports, plastic and laminated covers should be avoided, and plastic-free flower bouquets are encouraged, according to it.

The Cabinet Division has also requested all senior secretaries, secretaries, divisional commissioners, and district commissioners to instruct their respective ministries or divisions and affiliated offices or agencies to take appropriate actions on these matters, it said.

Additionally, as part of raising awareness and taking effective steps against plastic pollution, the Cabinet Division has asked all secretaries of ministries or divisions to implement measures to declare Bangladesh Secretariat free from single-use plastics, as per a letter issued on August 15.

Notably, the concerned ministry issued a notification on August 28 identifying 17 types of items or substances as 'single-use plastics.'

On the following day, through another office order, the Ministry declared the cessation of single-use plastic use at both personal and official levels within the Ministry and its affiliated offices or agencies, urging all officers and employees to take action.