The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in association with the Department of Environment (DoE) Friday conducted a drive in the capital city to prevent the use of banned polythene shopping bags. A team inspected Mohammadpur Agricultural Market and several nearby supermarkets in the capital. During the drive, members of the monitoring committee urged shop owners to use jute and cloth bags instead of polythene. Vendors were instructed to cease using polythene bags, with a warning that strict actions would be taken if polythene bags were found during future inspections.

The pervasive use of polythene bags has been a critical environmental issue in Bangladesh, posing severe consequences to ecosystems, human health, and urban infrastructure. Despite a nationwide ban on polythene shopping bags implemented decades ago, these single-use plastics continue to proliferate, largely due to inadequate enforcement and limited public awareness. The recent drive by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, in partnership with the Department of Environment (DoE), to curb polythene use in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur Agricultural Market and nearby supermarkets, highlights a renewed commitment to tackle this pressing environmental hazard. However, to achieve lasting change, a sustained, multi-pronged approach is essential.

Polythene bags, often discarded carelessly, are notoriously non-biodegradable. They persist in the environment for hundreds of years, fragmenting into microplastics that contaminate soil, waterways, and ultimately the food chain. In Bangladesh, where waste management infrastructure struggles to cope with urban demands, the impact of these plastics is particularly acute. Dhaka, a city of over 20 million people, grapples with clogged drainage systems worsened by polythene waste. During the monsoon season, this blockage contributes to flooding, creating public health hazards and impeding daily life. Recent studies show that nearly 20% of Dhaka’s waterlogging issues can be attributed to plastic pollution, with polythene bags playing a significant role.

The environmental toll of polythene bags extends beyond drainage blockages. As these plastics break down, they release toxic chemicals into the soil and water, disrupting plant growth and contaminating groundwater, a crucial resource for millions. The chemicals in plastic products have been linked to hormone disruption and developmental issues in humans and animals alike. Marine and terrestrial animals often mistake polythene bags for food, leading to ingestion that can result in injury or death. In coastal areas of Bangladesh, where fishing and tourism are vital economic sectors, the impact of polythene pollution on marine life has direct financial consequences.

The recent inspection in Dhaka underscores the government’s growing awareness of the need for proactive measures to limit polythene use. Encouraging vendors to adopt alternatives such as jute and cloth bags not only addresses pollution but also supports local industries. Bangladesh is a major jute producer, and the global shift away from plastic presents a valuable opportunity to revive this once-flourishing sector. By promoting jute as a substitute for polythene, the government can create jobs, boost rural incomes, and reduce the country’s plastic footprint. However, the challenge remains in fostering a widespread behavioural shift both among vendors and consumers. While vendors are critical gatekeepers, consumer habits ultimately determine demand for polythene bags.

To foster meaningful change, enforcement must be paired with incentives and education. Policymakers should consider subsidies or tax incentives for vendors who transition to eco-friendly alternatives. Simultaneously, awareness campaigns targeting both urban and rural populations are essential to build a broad understanding of the dangers posed by polythene. Campaigns in schools, community centers, and marketplaces could help shift public perception, framing plastic avoidance as a civic duty. Integrating environmental education into the national curriculum could also have long-lasting effects, cultivating environmentally conscious citizens from a young age.

Effective waste management policies are also vital in addressing the root of the problem. Dhaka generates over 6,000 tons of waste daily, a substantial portion of which is plastic. Expanding waste segregation at the source and establishing recycling facilities across the country would create a more systematic approach to dealing with plastic pollution. While banning polythene bags is an essential step, it must be part of a broader strategy that prioritizes waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles. For instance, some countries have successfully implemented deposit-return schemes for plastic bottles, which could be adopted in Bangladesh to reduce plastic waste.

Comparing Bangladesh’s approach to global practices reveals areas for improvement. In Kenya, for instance, a ban on plastic bags was enforced with stringent penalties, leading to a remarkable decrease in their usage within a short period. Rwanda, widely considered one of Africa’s cleanest countries, has a comprehensive policy prohibiting the importation and use of plastic bags. This success was achieved through a combination of strict enforcement, public engagement, and consistent government support. Bangladesh could draw from these examples, implementing heavier fines for the production, distribution, and use of polythene bags while ensuring that vendors have access to affordable alternatives.

The health implications of plastic pollution are equally concerning. Burning plastic waste, a common practice in many areas, releases harmful toxins into the air, increasing respiratory problems and other health issues. As people breathe in these toxins, they face a higher risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer. The recent push to eradicate polythene bags should therefore be seen not only as an environmental effort but also as a public health initiative. Clean air and water are essential for a healthy population, and reducing plastic pollution is a direct path to safeguarding these resources.

The government’s recent drive against polythene bags is a promising step towards environmental preservation, but it must be part of a larger, sustained strategy. Stronger enforcement, public education, and investment in eco-friendly alternatives are critical to overcoming the challenges of plastic pollution. By revitalizing the jute industry and encouraging behavioural change among vendors and consumers, Bangladesh can position itself as a leader in environmental innovation and sustainability. Furthermore, integrating best practices from countries that have successfully reduced plastic pollution would accelerate progress.

The battle against polythene bags is a microcosm of the broader environmental challenges Bangladesh faces. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the need for sustainable policies that protect natural resources and public health has never been more urgent. Addressing the polythene problem effectively could set a precedent, showing that with coordinated efforts, Bangladesh can rise to meet its environmental challenges head-on.