• DoE will monitor compliance this month without imposing fines
• Full implementation of the ban is scheduled for December 1.
• Mixed reactions, with some skeptical about government’s ability to enforce ban
• Limited availability, higher costs of alternatives like jute, cloth bags
• Government aims to reduce polythene use to zero and revive jute industry

The use of polythene bags has been officially banned in all kitchen markets in Bangladesh from today, following a similar ban in supermarkets.

The Ministry of Environment will monitor these markets this month, but no fines or legal action will be taken against sellers during this period. The focus will instead be on operations against polyethylene manufacturers and suppliers. Full enforcement of the ban is expected to begin on December 1.

Despite the government’s bold initiative, environmental experts express concerns over implementation due to the limited availability of alternatives.

They recommend that the government provide incentives to reduce the costs of producing and selling eco-friendly bags, such as jute bags, while raising public awareness to discourage the use of polyethylene.

In anticipation of the ban, wholesalers in Karwan Bazar liquidated their stocks yesterday. Md Shanto, a wholesaler of polythene bags, said: “After hearing about the ban, we have already emptied our stocks. All wholesalers in Karwan Bazar did the same to avoid any action or fine from the government.

Other sellers confirmed that only a few polythene bags remained in retail stores, which were expected to be removed by the end of the day.

Public opinion regarding the ban is mixed. Many users remain skeptical about the government’s ability to enforce it, citing past failures.

Moniruzzaman, a fruit seller, reflects on previous bans, saying: “The government banned polythene in 2006, but it was not effective. Within days, polythene bags became common in the market again. People eventually forgot about the ban and continued to do it. use them. For this reason, we have doubts about the new implementation.

He added that alternatives like mesh or fabric bags are significantly more expensive, often costing 2 to 3 times more than polyethylene.

Currently, the price of polythene ranges from Tk 180 to Tk 210 per kg, while mesh bags cost Tk 350 to Tk 500 for 100 pieces, and cloth bags range from Tk 180 to Tk 340 for the same quantity. Prices vary depending on the size of the bags.

Some buyers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the ban. Md Ashraf, a local buyer, commented, “Sometimes we come to the market to buy just 100 gm of ginger or coriander leaves. It is not possible to buy a bag to carry this little thing. The government should not impose such a fanciful decision. »

However, others welcomed the ban. Vegetable seller Md Monsur Ali Khan said, “Every day we spend at least Tk 200 on polythene bags. If the ban is enforced, customers will bring their own bags. This will help us save money on polyethylene, which is harmful to the environment. “

Customer Hasibur Rahman added, “Starting tomorrow, we will gradually make it a habit to bring bags while coming to the market or buy bags if necessary. The ban will bring a big positive change in the environment. “

The ban is in line with the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act, 1995 (2002 Amendment), which aims to protect the environment and public health.

Under this law, the minimum punishment for the production and marketing of polyethylene is a fine of Taka 10,000, accompanied by a maximum of six months of rigorous imprisonment. Users of polythene bags face an immediate fine of Tk500.

For the first month, the Ministry of Environment plans to educate business owners and consumers without imposing fines. Volunteers will help promote this awareness in the markets. From December 1, the ministry will impose stricter measures.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said at a recent seminar: “The law describes a gradual process of phasing out polyethylene. This process involves ongoing discussions with shopping centers and store owners.

“We are not implementing strict measures yet. Our aim is to reduce the use of banned polythene to zero, not to punish anyone. We also aim to revive the jute industry.”

Current status of polyethylene use

The scenario regarding the use of polyethylene in Bangladesh remains alarming. Since the ban on polyethylene in 2002, its use has increased significantly, particularly after the change of government in 2007.

A 2022 study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) showed that around eight crore polythene bags are used daily in Dhaka alone, most of which end up in waste and recycling. ‘environment.

According to World Bank data, nearly 3,000 factories in Bangladesh produce plastic and polyethylene. Together, they manufacture around 1.4 crore bags every day, with most of the factories located in Old Dhaka.

Shahriar Hossain, general secretary of ESDO, said: “If the government’s initiative is implemented, the country will be spared from major pollution. At first there might be some problems, but once the general public gets used to it, there won’t be any more problems. “.

Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity (Traders Association), expressed support for the government’s measures, saying: “We fully support the effective measures the government is taking to ban the use of polyethylene , even if it comes after so long.

“However, we will face some initial challenges. In this case, the government is giving traders time to get used to alternatives to polyethylene.”