Ministry Continues Market Monitoring to Ban Polythene Shopping Bags 

To enforce the ban on polythene shopping bags, the Ministry of Environment’s monitoring committee is actively conducting regular market inspections. This Saturday morning, the monitoring team carried out awareness activities at Banani kitchen market, Banani DCC market, Cherry Shopping Complex, and Shwapno Super Shop.

Led by Additional Secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, head of the monitoring team, the initiative included Joint Secretary Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Deputy Secretary Rubina Ferdousi, and other committee members. They distributed leaflets to the public, encouraging the use of jute and cloth bags as alternatives to polythene. They also warned that strict action would be taken if polythene is found in future inspections.

Tapan Kumar Biswas stated that since November 3, rigorous action is underway against the production and sale of polythene. In the past week, 67 mobile court drives have been conducted, resulting in fines of BDT 613,700 for 142 shops and establishments, with a total seizure of 12.696 tons of illegal polythene. One illegal polythene manufacturing factory has also been sealed. He further emphasized that such drives will continue.

Tapan Kumar Biswas added that awareness efforts at various kitchen markets and super shops are gradually reducing the use of polythene.