Staff Reporter
Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said that a legal drive will be launched from November 1 against those producing polythene shopping bags. Teams will be formed jointly with the Department of Environment, the Department of Consumer’s Rights protection, and the magistrates of the district administration. With the cooperation of the people, the government will stop the production, marketing, and use of polythene. To completely stop polythene shopping bags, buyers and sellers must ensure the use of environmentally friendly bags.

Environment Secretary made these remarks as the chief guest while speaking at an exchange of views meeting with members of the Shantinagar Market Committee and the Traders’ Association held at the committee’s office on Saturday to discuss the ban on polythene shopping bags.

The Environment Secretary said that polythene has been used in violation of the law for the last 22 years, which is not right. Polythene increases the risk of cancer, liver, and other diseases. In the interest of public health and public interest, the decision to ban polythene must be followed by all. The Secretary said that the use of polythene is a serious threat to the country’s environment and to be free from its harmful effects, government regulations must be strictly followed. She urged both sellers and buyers to refrain from using banned polythene.

The exchange of views meeting was chaired by Mujibul Haque, President of the Shantinagar Market Management Committee. Among others, Additional Secretary (Environment) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Deputy Secretary Sidhartha Sankar Kundu, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Abdullah Al Mamun, and General Secretary of the Market Committee Lokman Hossain Fakir spoke at the meeting.