Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called for united efforts to combat the use of banned polythene, stressing the need for proper enforcement of existing laws.
“The law should not just remain on the books, its effective implementation must be ensured in the field to stop the use of banned polythene,” he said while distributing awareness leaflets among shoppers and traders at Mohammadpur Krishi Market on Saturday.
The home adviser said law enforcement agencies have already been instructed to intensify anti-polythene drives, with intelligence surveillance underway to identify and prosecute unscrupulous traders involved in its illegal production and marketing.
Although polythene bags were banned in 2002 due to their severe impact on the environment and public health, Jahangir Alam noted that usage has risen alarmingly in recent years. “As a result, the environment and public health are facing increasing threats. The use of polythene is causing havoc in maintaining the balance of the environment,” he said.
He added that awareness is key to making the campaign long-lasting, urging the media and the public to play their part. “If every person in our country becomes cautious along with the cooperation of the media, this awareness message can be spread to all the people,” he said.
Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Additional IGP AKM Shahidur Rahman was present at the programme.
Authorities said awareness leaflets are being distributed in major areas across the country, including Karwan Bazar, Gulshan, Mirpur, Keraniganj, Uttara, Tongi and Cox’s Bazar. Mobile courts are also operating to impose fines and bring violators under punishment.
Jahangir Alam pointed out that polythene remains in the environment for centuries, reduces soil fertility, blocks drainage systems and worsens waterlogging in urban areas. “Not only that, it is a serious threat to biodiversity,” he said.
He stressed that alongside the Department of Environment, law enforcement agencies will continue awareness drives, patrols and surveillance not only against illegal polythene but also to ensure law and order by suppressing terrorism and other criminal activities.