Rizwana urges use of polythene alternatives at National Tree Fair 2025

Describing the grave consequences of polythene pollution, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan called for the use of environmentally friendly alternatives such as jute, paper, and cloth at the inauguration ceremony of National Tree fair today (25 June).

During her speech, the adviser informed journalists that enforcement efforts against banned polythene products are ongoing, and all superstores have now become 100% polythene-free, said a press release.

A national action plan is being implemented to discourage the use of 17 types of single-use plastic items, and to gradually phase them out, she said.

The government is also actively promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles to curb plastic pollution, she added.

In a PowerPoint presentation, Adviser Rizwana highlighted her ministry's ongoing and priority initiatives.

She noted that reforms are underway to update key environmental laws including the Forest Act of 1927, the Environmental Conservation Act of 1995, and the Biodiversity Act, in order to enhance transparency, efficiency, and administrative capacity.

A feasibility study is also being conducted for the creation of a wildlife conservation trust fund, she said.

During her speech, the Adviser shared that a finalised list of all rivers in the country has been prepared to support river conservation.

A "Blue Network" plan has been developed for the Turag River and three other rivers in Dhaka, along with 20 canals. Restoration efforts have started for 15 rivers including the Baral, Karatoa, and Sutang. A new initiative titled the "River Health Card" is also being introduced to monitor the health of rivers, she said.

In terms of forest conservation, projects are underway to restore the Madhupur Sal Forest and Chunati Forest. A total of 11,459 acres of forestland has been reclaimed from illegal encroachment. Sonadia coastal forest and two wetlands in Rajshahi have been declared protected areas. Efforts are also ongoing to designate "No-Brickfield Zones" to control illegal brick kilns, and operations have been launched to phase out outdated vehicles, she further said.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Advisory Council, Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, other government secretaries, representatives from various countries and international organisations, the director general of the Department of Environment, the chief conservator of Forests, government officials, national awardees in wildlife conservation, tree plantation, and environment, representatives from civil society, media personnel, and youth representatives.

During the event, awards and recognitions were presented to individuals and institutions for their contributions to environmental conservation, tree planting, and wildlife protection.

After the award ceremony, the environment adviser cut the ribbon to officially enter the Tree and Environment Fair grounds and visited various stalls.

Earlier, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus officially inaugurated World Environment Day 2025, the Environment Fair, the National Tree Plantation Campaign, and the National Tree Fair 2025 at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.

The Environment Fair will run from 25 to 27 June, while the Tree Fair will continue until 24 July. Both fairs will remain open to the public every day from 9am to 9pm, according to the press release.