Crackdown on poly bags: Tk 2.5mn in fines collected

Tapan Kumar Biswas, Additional Secretary and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, speaking at a press briefing

Dhaka, Dec 20 - A total of 199 mobile court operations have been conducted across the country since 3 November last, collecting Tk 25,72,300 in fines on 414 establishments and the seizure of 50,556 kg of polythene shopping bags.

Tapan Kumar Biswas, Additional Secretary and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, on Friday vowed to intensify enforcement efforts alongside raising public awareness about eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags.

He shared these updates during a press briefing held at Karwan Bazar following a monitoring operation aimed at curbing the use of polythene bags in the area.

Tapan Kumar reiterated that the ban on polythene bags is important for protecting the environment and reducing plastic pollution.  The ministry has been making comprehensive efforts to ensure the success of this initiative, including intensified monitoring operations across the country, he added. 

He called on all stakeholders to actively support the government's campaign to safeguard the environment.

During the drive, both shopkeepers and customers were encouraged to adopt alternatives such as jute bags, cloth bags, and wax-coated brown paper bags. Several shops showcased environment-friendly bag options as part of the initiative.

Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, alongside representatives from the Department of Environment, were present during the operation to oversee and promote the campaign.-UNB