Government Discourages Single-Use Plastics, Says Rizwana

While the government has not fully banned single-use plastics, it is actively discouraging their use to combat environmental pollution, stated Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministries of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and Water Resources. She spoke at a conference titled "From Policy to Implementation: Integrated Measures to Combat Plastic Pollution and Marine Debris in Bangladesh," held at the Department of Environment’s conference room in Agargaon.

 

Rizwana clarified, “Single-use plastics have not been completely banned, but their use is being discouraged to encourage local entrepreneurs to develop safer alternatives. Until proper waste management for single-use plastics is ensured, we must phase them out gradually.”

 

Addressing rumors of a total ban, Rizwana called such claims “baseless and misleading,” noting they have caused unnecessary concern within the plastic industry. She highlighted the severity of plastic pollution, stating, “Plastic waste doesn’t disappear; it breaks down into microplastics, entering our food chain through fish. Tackling this requires collective responsibility from individuals, the government, and businesses.”

 

Rizwana pointed out that viable alternatives to most single-use plastics already exist in Bangladesh and urged businesses to commit to sustainable practices. Criticizing the hazardous working conditions in unregulated plastic factories in Old Dhaka, she said, “A phased plan to close these is necessary. A blanket ban isn’t the only solution; reducing use, recycling, and waste management are equally critical.”

 

She also revealed that the Finnish government has expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh to establish advanced recycling centers, with discussions planned soon. Addressing businesses, Rizwana emphasized, “We need a time-bound action plan to phase out single-use plastics by 2030.”

 

Expressing concern over recent attacks on Department of Environment officials attempting to shut down illegal polythene factories, she said, “Resistance to compliance is unacceptable. If we work together beyond personal interests, implementing restrictions is achievable.”

 

The conference, chaired by Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment, featured speeches from Norway’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen; Jerome Stucki, Head of the Circular and Resource Efficiency Unit at UNIDO-Vienna; and Abdullah Al Mamun, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment.