Fresh drive against polybags soon

They said the government alone cannot ensure a sustainable environment in a poor country like Bangladesh.

The discussion was organised by the environment and forest ministry to mark the completion of two years' of alliance government at the Osmani Memorial Hall.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

An environment fair was also organised on this occasion.

Speaking as chief guest, Environment and Forest Minister Shajahan Siraj said drive against the polythene shopping bag will be resumed soon and steps will be taken against the producers, distributors and users as well.

"Success in banning the polythene shopping bag cannot not be nullified due to some dishonest traders and producers," he added.

The minister said the government has made mandatory for the brick kilns to use 120-foot long chimney from the next year.

He also claimed the success of his ministry in tree plantation, stopping hill cutting, introducing the eco-tourism, relocating the tannery industry from Hazaribagh, and conserving bio-diversity at St Martin island.

State Minister for Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury said their present and future programmes would help raise public awareness about environment.

Sabihuddin Ahmed, secretary of the ministry, said they had taken an initiative to include the environment in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.

Moniruzzaman Miah, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, urged the government to give the environment priority in its planning process.

20 stalls have been put up in the fair that ends today.