Manufacturers threaten to take to streets as crackdown on plastic bags looms

Leaders of the country's polythene bag manufacturing industry said if any governmental decision made without their consultation harms the industry, they would be compelled to take to the streets.

With the government ban on single-use plastic bags coming into effect nationwide from 1 November, they issued the warning at a press conference organised by the Plastic Foundation at Dhaka Reporters' Unity on Monday.

Earlier, on 20 June, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change declared to phase out 17 single-use plastic products. In the first phase, the use of polythene bags has been banned in superstores from this month, and from 1 November, it will come into effect in all markets across the country.  

The industry leaders claimed that they were not consulted regarding any of the decisions banning the use of polythene. "It (the ban) has been abruptly imposed (on all stakeholders)."

They opined that before enforcing the ban, the government could have considered a timeframe of a minimum of six months to one year to support the transition to alternatives for polythene.

"If it were done, traders would not face as much distress from the ban."

Joining the press conference, Abu Motaleb Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Plastic Packaging and Roll Manufacturing Owners' Association, said the traders are already distressed due to the persisting hikes in gas and electricity prices as well as house rents during the past government's tenure.

"If the business faces any additional setbacks, it will result in diminished government tax income and foreign investment, and heightened losses in the industry," he warned.  

Drawing the attention of the chief adviser to this end, he said, "Currently, the business landscape is highly unstable, and traders may be forced to resort to demonstrations if necessary." 

Motaleb also mentioned that it has not been possible yet to ensure production and supply of quality plastic alternatives that are convenient to carry and reasonably priced.

Samim Ahmed, coordinator of Plastic Foundation, pointed out the critical need for increased recycling and reuse of plastic items, as well as effective management practices, to protect the environment.

Regarding the contribution of plastic to marine pollution, he said Bangladesh receives substantial quantities of plastic waste due to the flow of 54 rivers from India, Nepal, and China into its territory. "As a result, waste has been accumulated in Bangladesh's rivers and the sea. So, it is unjust to hold Bangladesh responsible for the accumulation of waste." 

He further mentioned that earlier in 2002, plastic shopping bags were banned in the country to encourage the use of jute products. But meanwhile, Adamjee Jute Mills faced a shutdown.

Samim also alleged that the incumbent adviser for the environment, forest and climate change ministry was already displeased with the plastic sector, and imposition of the ban came abruptly.