The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) has urged authorities to enforce a complete ban on single-use plastics at the upcoming Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026.
In a letter sent to the secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the director general of Bangla Academy, BELA highlighted the severe environmental threats posed by plastic waste mismanagement. The letter was sent on Monday.
Bangladesh ranks 10th globally in plastic waste mismanagement, with studies showing that around 87,000 tonnes of single-use plastics are consumed annually, BELA said in a press release.
Items such as straws, cotton buds, food packaging, bottles, plates, spoons, and bags often end up in farmland, drainage systems, rivers, wetlands, and the sea, causing extensive damage to ecosystems and biodiversity.
BELA noted that previous book fairs witnessed widespread use of single-use plastics, in violation of existing laws. The organisation fears similar practices may occur again this year unless strict enforcement is ensured.
Under Section 6A of the Environment Conservation Act, 1995, the production, marketing, and use of harmful polythene and plastic products are prohibited. The government has previously imposed bans on polythene bags in Dhaka (2002), nationwide (2002), and more recently on polythene and polypropylene shopping bags in supermarkets (2024).
BELA also referenced a public interest litigation it filed in 2019, in which the High Court directed the government to fully enforce the ban on polythene and single-use plastics countrywide.
In its latest appeal, BELA stressed that banning single-use plastics at the book fair is essential to protect present and future generations from environmental catastrophe.
