The use of single-use plastics (SUP) will be completely prohibited inside the Bangladesh Secretariat from Sunday. The government has taken the step as a model initiative to curb products that pose serious threats to the environment and public health.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a press release on Saturday announcing the decision.
According to the release, security checks will be carried out at all entry gates of the Secretariat. Any polythene or SUP items found will be barred from entry. Those carrying banned plastic bags will be provided paper bags instead.
Awareness boards have also been set up at entrances and key points across the Secretariat, while a monitoring team has been deployed to oversee implementation.
The release further stated that the Cabinet Division has recently instructed all ministries to ensure the ban is enforced and reusable materials are adopted. Use of disposable plastic bottles, cups, plates and spoons at meetings and seminars will no longer be allowed.
Instead, emphasis will be placed on jute, cloth, or other reusable alternatives. Government procurement has also been directed to incorporate eco-friendly substitutes.
Special instructions have been issued to officers and staff to refrain from SUP use. At official events, paper or environmentally friendly food packages will be introduced, while alternative materials will be supplied for office use.
Each ministry will appoint a focal person and form a monitoring committee to ensure compliance.
The government has sought cooperation from all stakeholders to make the Secretariat completely SUP-free from tomorrow.
