Plastic pollution has become a major global environmental crisis. Millions of plastic or polythene bags are used and discarded each year, contributing to the pollution of land, rivers, and oceans. These bags are non-biodegradable, often persisting for centuries, and pose severe risks to wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health.  Polythene and polypropylene shopping bags have been prohibited in all superstores across Bangladesh from October 1. So, why do plastic bags deserve banning? The answer seems clear when we consider their devastating impact on the environment and our future. Why Banning Plastic Bags Matters . Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags One of the strongest reasons to ban polythene bags is their non-biodegradable nature. Unlike organic materials that decompose over time, plastic bags can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.  When polythene bags are discarded, they often end up in landfills, which have already been reaching their capacities in many areas. The accumulation of plastic waste is causing land degradation and water contamination, making it a pressing issue for environmental sustainability. Read more: Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects on human health and environment Ocean Pollution and Marine Life Plastic bags are one of the biggest contributors to ocean pollution. Millions of tons of plastic waste go into the oceans each year, and polythene bags play a significant role in this crisis. They often break down into smaller particles known as microplastics, which are easily consumed by marine animals.  Sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds frequently mistake plastic bags for food, leading to fatal consequences. The toxins from plastic can also enter the food chain, threatening the health of both marine life and humans. Harm to Wildlife Wildlife on land is not immune to the dangers of plastic bags. Wildlife and fisheries often encounter discarded polythene bags in their natural habitats. Many of them become entangled in the plastic leading to injury or death. Others may ingest the bags, mistaking them for food, which can cause choking, digestive blockages, or malnutrition.  Domestic animals and birds are also sufferers of plastic pollution. Banning polythene bags would greatly reduce these unnecessary and cruel deaths. Contribution to Climate Change The production of polythene bags is closely tied to fossil fuels, as they are made from petroleum-based products. The extraction and refining of fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change.  Additionally, when plastic waste is incinerated as a part of the waste management process, it releases toxic chemicals and increases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.  Eliminating plastic bags can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help in the fight against climate change. Read more: Microplastic in Human Blood: Health Risks and Dangers Human Health Concerns Plastic pollution has begun to infiltrate the food we eat and the water we drink. Microplastics, originating from the breakdown of larger plastic items like bags, have been found in drinking water supplies, seafood, and even table salt.  The long-term health effects of consuming microplastics are still being studied, but early research indicates potential links to cancer, hormone disruption, and other serious health problems. By banning polythene bags, we can reduce one source of this harmful pollution and protect human health. Waste Management Challenges Recycling polythene bags is a difficult process. Only 5% of plastic bags are recycled. They cannot be processed in most curbside recycling programs and often clog machinery in recycling facilities. As a result, many plastic bags end up in landfills or are incinerated, neither of which is a sustainable solution.  The costs associated with managing polythene bag waste are high. And the inefficiencies of the system make it clear that a ban would be more effective than trying to recycle them. Economic Costs of Plastic Pollution Plastic pollution comes with significant economic costs. Governments and local communities work on cleanup efforts, from beaches to city streets. In addition, industries like tourism and fisheries are heavily affected by the damage caused by plastic pollution, as polluted waters and beaches drive tourists away and deplete fish stocks. Banning plastic bags could help alleviate some of these financial burdens and protect vital economic sectors. Alternatives to Plastic Bags There are many eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags, including paper, cloth, and biodegradable bags. These options are not only better for the environment, but they also promote sustainable habits. This practice can also save money. For example, reusable cloth bags can last for years and eliminate the need for disposable bags. Sonali Bag, invented by scientist Mubarak Ahmad Khan, can be used instead of polythene bags as it is biodegradable and eco-friendly. Encouraging consumers to switch to these alternatives would reduce plastic waste and help foster a more sustainable lifestyle. Read more: Shoppers back polythene ban, worry about alternatives Limitations of a Plastic Bag Ban . Economic Disruption One limitation of banning plastic bags is the potential economic disruption. The plastic manufacturing industry provides jobs for many people, and a ban could lead to job losses in this sector. However, this could also create opportunities in the production of sustainable alternatives, potentially offsetting some of the negative impacts. Public Resistance Many people are accustomed to the convenience of polythene bags and may resist changes to their habits. While it is easy to see the environmental benefits of a ban, some individuals may prioritise convenience over responsibility. Public education and awareness campaigns will be crucial to overcoming this resistance. Worsening the Environmental Impact Polythene bag restrictions reduce usage but may lead to worse alternatives. Paper bags require more energy and resources, while cotton production consumes vast amounts of land, water, and chemicals.  Surprisingly, biodegradable bags can cause significant environmental harm. Consumers might also compensate for ditching plastic by making other eco-harmful choices, feeling justified due to their initial "green" action.  Cost of Alternatives While alternatives like cloth or paper bags are more eco-friendly, they often come with higher production costs. These costs can be passed on to consumers, making it more expensive to switch to sustainable options. Governments and businesses may need to subsidise the cost of alternatives to ensure a smooth transition away from plastic. Read more: Cabinet orders use of alternatives to single-use plastics in all government offices Incomplete Solutions It is important to recognize that banning polythene bags is just one part of the solution to plastic pollution. Plastic waste comes from many sources, including packaging, bottles, and other single-use items. A broader strategy is needed to tackle the full scope of the plastic pollution problem. Final Words The ban on polythene bags is a necessary step toward protecting our environment, wildlife, and human health. While there are some challenges and limitations, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.  By reducing plastic waste, we can prevent further damages to our oceans, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect wildlife from harm. Collective action, both from governments and individuals, is crucial to making this change successful and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future.  Read more: Phasing out plastic products: Stakeholders for following global practice

Golam Rabbi, a resident of New Eskaton, Dhaka, engaged in a dispute with an attendant at the cash counter of a Shwapno super shop outlet in the area over a Tk 11 charge for a jute bag. The altercation arose after the government banned the use of polyethylene bags in such shops from October 1, 2024. Ultimately, Rabbi left the outlet without purchasing grocery items worth about Tk 1,300, upset by the Tk 11 charge for the jute bag. The sales operators tried to explain by showing him the government order banning plastic bags in super shops, but he remained unconvinced. Bangladesh seeks climate justice: Syeda Rizwana Hasan Incidents like this are becoming common as sales operators now supply fish, meat, and other frozen items in paper bags instead of polybags following the government's embargo on plastic bags in super shops. Bangladesh generates about 87,000 tonnes of single-use plastics annually, much of which ends up as waste. As a result, the government has begun enforcing a ban on single-use plastics as part of broader efforts to reduce plastic waste, starting with grocery bags. Experts said that Bangladesh has been grappling with a significant plastic pollution problem. The country's rapid industrialization and growing population have increased demand for plastic products. This, coupled with inadequate waste management infrastructure, has led to widespread plastic pollution, particularly in urban areas and waterways, they added. In response to this issue, the interim government issued a gazette notification on August 27, 2024, to phase out single-use plastics (SUP) in 17 sectors, in accordance with an order from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued on June 20, 2024. The notification instructs immediate implementation of the ban to protect the environment and reduce pollution. Stakeholders Shamim Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) told UNB that an inter-ministerial meeting is a must before issuing such an order banning SUP in 17 sectors, otherwise, 6000 industries will be heavily affected and thousands of labour would be unemployed. “Government officials attended such meetings earlier without any home study on the issue, as a result, they (officials) do not understand what decision will be fruitful, and what the alternative of the plastic products is,” he pointed out from his long-time experience. Recently joined a workshop in Japan on plastic products and visited Singapore. BPGMEA President Ahmed said these developed countries of Asia are using plastic in every sector like Bangladesh. But they (Japan and Singapore) collect 100 percent of plastic waste and recycle it. He said considering inadequate supply, higher prices and lack of adoption capacity of plastic alternative sources, developed countries like Japan and Singapore cannot be successful in using the alternative of plastic so far. Most of the countries in the world are focusing on well management of recycling plastic waste, which is a good alternative so far, he said. Shamim Ahmed giving examples of the export-oriented and domestic consumption packaging sector said that packaging is not possible without Iodised salt that comes from plastic, edible oil packaging without plastic bottles and liquid milk packaging is impossible. The resolution adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly on March 2, 2022, has focused on establishing effective recycling infrastructure considering the proportion of plastic in the circular economy globally. Proposal to manage plastic waste from stockholders- The BPGMEA has put forward a proposal to protect the environment and industries before the invention of suitable alternatives of plastic products. It suggested plastic waste into wealth by developing the right waste management plans for Bangladesh. Developing awareness among common people to dispose of plastic in a specific place, including textbook curriculum about waste management, setting up enough ‘BIN’ for plastic waste in different places including bus-rail stations, parks, and walkways. Shoppers back polythene ban, worry about alternatives Use Local Government Institute (LGI) to enhance knowledge adoption and supply equipment at subsidised rates for setting up plastic waste management plants in urban areas. Introduced plastic circularity for sustainable waste management, through which the government should arrange technology supply and provide loans at reduced interest rates for setting waste management plans in Bangladesh like other developed countries. Banning plastic production is not a solution, so Bangladesh should follow in this regard otherwise industry operation would be quite impossible. Such as food processing, Pharmaceuticals packages, hospital equipment, agricultural modernisation, and export packaging sectors would not run without plastic products. Banning steps will affect these industries heavily, said the industry stockholders. Statistics of plastic-related industries According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data published in 2021, SL Industry Sector Total industries Production value (TK) 1 Manufacturing of food products 9397  Tk1263747 million 2 Manuf of Beverages  37  Tk123330 million 3 Manufacturing of Tobacco products 181  Tk286171 million  4 Manuf. Of Chemical & chemical products 251 Tk121526 million 5 Pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals & Botanical products 149 Tk268624 million 6 Manuf. Rubber & plastic products 943 Tk661469 million   Client Opinion: Unilever Bangladesh, a leading fast-moving consumer goods producer is a big customer of many SUP products, which company is marketing its products in Bangladesh and globally in plastic packaging. This type of company is not a producer of plastic products, but Unilever is the customer for packaging its products as single-use plastic packets or bottles. Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs of Unilever, told UNB that publishing a phase-out list of plastic products is appreciated. She, however, emphasised inclusive dialogue with stockholders for awareness and priorities of products for implementing the phase-out plan. Shamima said that Unilever is marketing with 1.3 million shop owners in Bangladesh for a large number of products that have been packaged in plastic products for as long as considering good quality ensuring products in plastic packaging. “If an alternative packaging system is developed at a reasonable rate, Unilever will use that, until the invention alternative, it is essential plastic packaging,” she pointed out. She also emphasised more research on it and focuses on recycling single-use plastic products considering its no alternative.