Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday urged the public to adopt affordable jute bags instead of banned polythene shopping bags, reports BSS.
Speaking at the launch of a subsidized jute bag marketing initiative in Karwan Bazar, she stated, “The government has introduced subsidised jute bags to reduce the harmful impact of polythene and safeguard our environment. However, this campaign’s success depends heavily on consumer involvement.”
Rizwana warned, “If banned polythene is found in markets, strict legal actions including seizures will be enforced. Market inspections will be conducted regularly.”
Highlighting the environmental damage caused by polythene to soil, water, and biodiversity, she praised jute bags for being durable, reusable, and eco-friendly.
The project, financed by the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund, aims to distribute subsidized jute bags through TCB dealers and merchant groups.
Beyond distribution, the initiative focuses on raising public awareness and enhancing the skills of jute product entrepreneurs through training in marketing, quality control, and cost-effective production.
Awareness campaigns will include seminars, workshops, and media outreach targeting TCB dealers and merchants.
Adviser to the ministries of Textiles and Jute, Commerce, and Civil Aviation and Tourism Bashir Uddin attended the event as special guest.
Bashir Uddin, Adviser to the Ministries of Textiles and Jute, Commerce, and Civil Aviation and Tourism, was a special guest at the event, joined by Textiles and Jute Secretary Md Abdur Rouf, Additional Secretary Dr Fahmida Khanam, Jute Department DG Zinath Ara, and leaders of the Karwan Bazar Business Association.
They collectively emphasized the urgent need to eliminate polythene and single-use plastics, declaring, “Let today be our pledge – no more polythene shopping bags for the sake of future generations.”
Subsidized jute bags are now available at designated TCB outlets across Dhaka, with prices ranging from Tk20 to Tk80, depending on size and quality.
Designated TCB dealers have been appointed to distribute these bags, which are accessible at selected shops throughout the capital’s markets.
