Subsidised jute bags to replace polythene: Environmental adviser

Jute shopping bags will be distributed at subsidised rates to the public as an alternative to polythene bags, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources.

She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on plastic pollution control and a cleanliness campaign held at the Senate Building of the University of Dhaka today (19 April).

A project has been initiated to supply these jute bags at subsidised prices, with coordinated efforts planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, according to a press release.

Rizwana Hasan said that awareness campaigns will be launched to encourage the use of jute bags.

New entrepreneurs will be supported in the production of these bags, and institutions such as the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre, SME Foundation, and Joyeeta Foundation will be involved to ensure sustainability.

She urged collective action to address plastic pollution and stressed the importance of reducing plastic use at the individual level.

"It is not true that there is no alternative to plastic. While government initiatives cannot be implemented overnight, they will be carried out gradually," she said.

Rizwana Hasan also called upon the University of Dhaka to declare its campus free from single-use plastics and noise pollution.

The seminar was presided over by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan.

Speakers included Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed, Department of Environment Director General Md Kamruzzaman, Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka Deputy Head of Mission Marian Rabe Knavelsrud, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mamun Ahmed, UNIDO Bangladesh Country Representative Zaki Uz Zaman, Dhaka Medical College Dr Afia Shahnaz, and BUET Professor Md Mofizur Rahman.