From Friday (1 November), the ban on polythene bags will apply not only to supermarkets but also to traditional wet markets, with a nationwide crackdown targeting polythene and polypropylene manufacturing units set to commence.
Since 1 October, the use of polythene and polypropylene bags has been restricted in supermarkets, which have now largely adopted bags made from jute, paper, or cloth as replacements.
Customers are now given products in these alternative bags.
In an announcement on 24 September, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stated that all polythene bags would be banned starting 1 November, prohibiting their distribution to customers.
She further indicated that enforcement actions would target both wet markets and manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance.
“Various initiatives have been undertaken to prevent wet markets from continuing to use polythene bags. There’s no need for a new law, as the ban has existed since 2002,” she said.
The adviser explained that between 2004 and 2006, the control of plastic bag usage was successful, with inspections carried out at various production sites.
However, markets were not monitored, allowing them to distribute polythene bags unchecked.
From 1 October, Dhaka’s supermarkets have implemented the plastic and polypropylene bag ban, a decision reached in consultation with business owners.
Jute, cloth, and paper bags have been provided as alternatives.
Addressing the upcoming phase of the ban, Adviser Rizwana noted that from 1 November, wet markets would be required to cease using polythene and polypropylene bags, with enforcement taking a strict, legal approach rather than mere discussion.
Leaders of the shop owners’ association have pledged to replace polythene with jute, cloth, or paper bags within the month.
The phased restriction on polythene and polypropylene bags began in supermarkets on 1 October and will extend to wet markets on 1 November, accompanied by a crackdown on production facilities.
