The government is intensifying its efforts to enforce the ban on polythene shopping bags, urging all citizens to comply with the directives to stop using such bags. Non-compliance will result in strict actions, said Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary and chair of the Monitoring Committee on this issue under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate, during a monitoring operation at New Market Kitchen Market in Dhaka on Friday. He told reporters that since November 3, authorities have conducted 166 raids to enforce the ban. Officials fined 349 establishments a total of Tk 19,29,900 and confiscated 40,000 kg of polythene during this period.  “Public awareness is growing, and we are witnessing gradual improvements,” he said.  “Awareness campaigns, providing alternatives, and strict enforcement are advancing simultaneously,” added Tapan. Realistic solutions key to addressing sustainable plastic management: Speakers During the monitoring activity, market committee members acknowledged the harmful effects of polythene usage and pledged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Environment, law enforcement agencies, and representatives from the media participated in the operation.