The government will launch a drive against polythene and polypropylene shopping bags in markets from December next and reward the single-use plastic-free markets, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday.

"We'll send some student representatives to different markets (for a motivational campaign against polythene and polypropylene shopping bags) in November. We'll conduct drives from December," she said.

The environment adviser was addressing a meeting with business owners at the conference room of the Department of Environment.

She asked the shop owners not to provide polythene and polypropylene shopping bags and also laminated boxes from their shops.

Rizwana Hasan announced that the government would reward the markets which would be completely freed from single-used plastic by December 31 next.

"Inform us about the markets which would be freed from polythene shopping bags, limited and polypropylene bags by December 31, we'll surely reward you," she said pointing at the representatives of market associations.

The adviser said so far the feedback they receive from the field is that the buyers of the super shops do not want polythene bags as well. "We'll conduct operations to super shopping malls from November 01 as per our earlier announcement. Most of the shopping malls are in compliance. We hope that we won't need to go for operations there," she said.

Alternatives

The environment adviser said the government allows jute and cloth bags as alternatives to polythene bags, not permitting bio-plastics right now without certification that these are completely safe.

"I would like to assure the innovators of bio-plastics that we will sit with you soon. If we think anyone of bio-plastics absolutely safe, we will consider whether its clearance can be given for a limited scale for some specific products. Jute, chot and cloth are right now our alternatives," she said.

Drives against Poly Manufacturers

The environment adviser said the operation will be carried out against polythene bags producers and manufacturers from November 01.

Pointing to those who create confusion saying that all plastic products would be banned, she asked them not to create confusion as the drives will be carried out against only those who produce and manufacture polythene shopping bags.

Noting that single-use polythene factories run completely illegally without any permission, she questioned what legal bindings she has to rehabilitate the factories, which have been running illegally since 2002.

The adviser also emphasized that polythene poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health.

She urged businesses to step up and help implement the ban.

Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed presided over the meeting, while the Director General of the Department of Environment and business leaders spoke on the occasion.