Secretariat to Go Fully Plastic-Free from January: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan

The government plans to make the Bangladesh Secretariat completely free of single-use plastic by 1 January, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has announced.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, Rizwana said the initiative to eliminate single-use plastics from government offices has started with the Secretariat itself.

“The use of water bottles and other single-use plastic items will be discontinued by December,” she said, adding that although single-use plastics are not yet legally banned in Bangladesh, the government is actively discouraging their use.

She noted that several embassies and universities have already declared their campuses plastic-free, setting an example for others to follow.

Earlier in the day, Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed oversaw the implementation activities at Gates 2 and 5 of the Secretariat. Officials were seen handing over plastic bags and files in exchange for fabric-made alternatives.

Farhina also inspected awareness materials including posters, boards, and standees displayed across the Secretariat, and visited the Parjatan Corporation cafeteria and Home Ministry canteen to ensure compliance.

Police personnel stationed at all entrances conducted checks to prevent single-use plastic items from entering the Secretariat premises.

The government hopes this initiative will inspire other institutions to take similar steps in reducing plastic pollution nationwide.