Environment adviser urges use of jute bags instead of polythene

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has urged the public to use affordable jute bags instead of banned polythene shopping bags.

She said the government has undertaken an initiative to provide jute bags at subsidised prices to promote their use as an alternative to polythene for environmental protection. She emphasised that public participation is essential to make this initiative successful.

She made these remarks while speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the programme titled "Marketing of Affordable Eco-Friendly Jute Bags Among Consumers in Dhaka City" held today (31 August) at Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.

The adviser warned that no leniency would be shown if banned polythene is found; confiscation and legal action will follow, with regular market inspections to enforce the ban.

She said excessive use of polythene is creating severe threats to soil, water, and biodiversity, whereas jute bags are durable, reusable, and environmentally friendly.

Under this project, funded by the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund, subsidised jute bags will be marketed through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) dealers and market traders' associations. The project will also encourage the public to use and reuse jute bags, while enhancing the skills, marketing capacity, quality control, and cost management of multipurpose jute product entrepreneurs.

Training will also be provided to traders' associations and TCB dealers. Furthermore, awareness will be raised through meetings, seminars, workshops, symposiums, and publicity in print, electronic, and social media.

Special guest Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, also addressed the event. The programme was chaired by Md Abdur Rouf, secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Among others, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Fahmida Khanom, Director General of Department of Jute Zinat Ara, and leaders of the Karwan Bazar Traders' Association also spoke.

Speakers stressed that to protect the well-being of future generations, it is urgent to end the use of polythene and single-use plastics. They called on citizens to pledge: No more polythene shopping bags.

It may be noted that TCB-appointed dealers have already been assigned to sell these subsidised jute bags, which are now available at designated shops across various markets in Dhaka. Prices have been fixed at Tk20, 25, 30, 35, 70, and 80, depending on size and quality.