Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Oct 4, 2025 (BSS) - In a bid to set an example in protecting the environment and public health, the government has completely banned single-use plastics (SUP) inside the Bangladesh Secretariat from Sunday. 

The Cabinet Division has recently issued instructions to all ministries in this regard.

All entry points of the Secretariat will be checked to maintain the compliance. Anyone found carrying polythene or single-use plastic items will be denied entry. 

Instead, paper bags will be provided. Awareness boards have already been installed at the entrances and other locations inside the Secretariat. A monitoring team has also been deployed to oversee the implementation.

According to the Cabinet Division's instructions, SUP will no longer be used within the Secretariat. Instead, reusable materials must be promoted. Plastic bottles, cups, plates, and spoons can no longer be used in meetings and seminars. The use of jute, cloth, or other reusable bags has been encouraged, while alternative items must be included in government procurement. 

Officials and employees have also been instructed to stop using SUP in their daily work. Paper or eco-friendly food packages will be used in meetings and seminars. Alternative items will be supplied for office use. Each ministry will appoint a focal person and form a monitoring committee to ensure proper implementation.

From October 5, all ministries and departments are requested to fully cooperate in making the Secretariat free of single-use plastics.