The government’s widely publicized initiative to curb the use of polythene bags and single-use plastics has failed to make a significant impact due to the absence of a coordinated and comprehensive strategy, experts say.
Environmental and public health professionals have emphasized that such efforts will remain ineffective unless the government simultaneously regulates the import, marketing, storage, and processing of plastic particles, while ensuring the availability of viable alternatives in adequate quantities.
Despite a policy enforcement that began on October 1, 2024, banning polythene bags in super shops — later extended to all kitchen markets from November 1, 2024 — the initiative has seen little success outside the super shop segment.
Dr Liaquat Ali, an environment pollution and public health expert, underscored the necessity of forming a multi-sectoral or inter-ministerial task force to combat the widespread use of single-use plastics. The proposed body would include the ministries of environment, health, commerce, education, information, textiles and jute, and home affairs.
“I think the initiative to stop the use of polythene bags and single-use plastics has failed due to the lack of a coordinated approach,” Dr Ali told UNB.
He added that the use of polythene and plastic products continues to rise gradually, and without synchronized intervention across all sectors — from import and production to consumption — no scattered effort will succeed.
Environmental activist and architect Iqbal Habib echoed the same concern, stating that the campaign against polythene and single-use plastic products is destined to fail unless restrictions are imposed in a coordinated manner. This includes import control, marketing, production, storage, recycling, and the availability of affordable alternatives.
“The government did not impose a blanket restriction on the import and processing of plastic particles, citing their necessity in the RMG and other export-oriented sectors. But eliminating polythene is impossible without applying restrictions at all levels simultaneously,” said Habib.
Experts continue to urge the government to adopt a holistic and well-coordinated approach, warning that without such efforts, the environmental and health hazards posed by single-use plastics will only intensify.
