Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke as the chief guest at a conference on 'Coordinated action to combat plastic pollution and marine litter in Bangladesh' at the conference hall of the Department of Environment at Agargaon in the capital today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Feb 5, 2025 (BSS) - Emphasizing on effective action against plastic pollution adviser for environment Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said the government is working to develop a safer alternative after imposing ban on single use plastics (SUPs).

"We are discouraging the use of single-use-plastics as we don’t have any proper waste management system. Side by side we are encouraging development of safer alternatives to move away gradually from the habit,” she said.

the environment advisor was addressing a conference titled "From Policy to Action: Integrated Approaches for Combating Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter in Bangladesh" at the Department of Environment (DoE), Agargaon here today.

The advisor denied the claim of a vested group of imposing restriction on all single use plastics saying it’s totally a lie. Such false claim creates unnecessary tensions among plastic manufacturers, she said.

Pointing out the severity of plastic pollution, Rezwana said, plastic wastes don’t disappear, but breaks down into micro plastics, which later is consumed by fishes and thus enter our food chain.

The environment adviser said Bangladesh already has readily available alternatives for most of the single-use plastic items. She called for stronger commitments from business community to discard the anti-eco substances. 

She also criticized the hazardous working conditions in plastic producing factories in Old Dhaka saying and such unsafe working environment should be replaced by a structured plan.

"An integrated approach is needed, banning is just one aspect, but phasing out, recycling, and reuse are equally crucial,” she said.

The adviser said the Finnish government has expressed interest in providing support for establishing a state-of-the-art recycling facility to Bangladesh. The government will be engaged in discussion with them soon, she said.

Rezwana Hasan further urged businesses to collaborate on a time-bound action plan to eliminate single-use plastics well before 2030. 

She condemned the attack on DoE officials during a recent drive to shut down illegal polythene bag production units.

She emphasized the need for national unity in tackling plastic pollution. A complete ban is possible if we rise above personal interests and work together in the interest of our community and country," she said.

Director General of DoE Dr Md. Quamruzzaman was in the chair while ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen, UNIDO official Jerome Stucki and Director of DoE Dr Abdullah Al Mamun spoke, among others on the occasion. 

The conference brought together policymakers, environmental experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss actionable strategies for reducing plastic pollution and marine litter in Bangladesh.