Phasing out single-use plastic begins from Secretariat: Rizwana

The government has officially launched its initiative to phase out single-use plastics (SUP) from all government offices, beginning with the Bangladesh Secretariat, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced today (5 October).

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, the adviser said the use of plastic water bottles and other single-use items will be banned by December this year, to make the Secretariat completely free of SUPs by 1 January 2026.

Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed joined an awareness program at the Bangladesh Secretariat today (5 October) as part of efforts to raise public awareness about the ban on single-use plastics. Photo: PID

She also noted that while single-use plastics have not yet been banned by law, the government is actively discouraging their use.

"Several embassies and universities have already declared themselves free of single-use plastics," Rizwana Hasan said.

Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed distributed eco-friendly bags as an alternative to polythene among visitors at the Bangladesh Secretariat today (5 October) to support the implementation of the ban on single-use plastics. Photo: PID

Earlier in the day, Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed oversaw enforcement activities at the Secretariat's Gate-2 and Gate-5, where officials carrying plastic bags or files were asked to hand them over and provided with cloth alternatives. She also inspected awareness materials, including posters and standees, and visited cafeterias operated by the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Police personnel have been deployed at all Secretariat entrances to ensure round-the-clock checks, preventing the entry of any single-use plastic items.