Govt to intensify drive against polybags

This was decided at an inter-ministerial meeting on Wednesday with Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam in the chair.

Officials said the meeting was held apparently in the wake of government's failure to stop production, marketing and use of polybags despite enactment of law in this respect in March 2002.

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The meeting decided that the ministries concerned, Dhaka City Corporation, customs, BDR and police, would launch joint drive soon to free the kitchen markets and shopping malls from polythene shopping bags.

About the allegation of smuggling out of raw materials for making polythene bags from different bonded ware houses in the capital, the Customs Commissioner assured the meeting of taking necessary steps to stop such illegal activities at any cost.

The DCC Chief Executive Officer told the meeting that the corporation would instruct all shop owners to stop use of polythene shopping bags.

He said some 30 mobile courts now operating in the city to maintain traffic and law and order will be involved in anti-polythene drive if necessary.

He also assured stern action including cancellation of trade licenses against the shop owners using polythene bags.

The BJMC representative informed the meeting that it would release 22 lakh jute bags for shopping in the market soon.

Sources said the bags had been lying at BJMC godowns for last two years due to lack of buyers.

Speaking at the meeting, Tariqul Islam laid emphasis on strengthening the coordination of all concerned including the civil administration and law enforcers for effective drive against polythene bags.

He asked the authorities concerned to apply the law strictly to stop production, marketing and use of polybags.

The minister also called for massive production of alternatives to polythene bags as well as their marketing so that the common people can get the environment-friendly bags.

Beside the State Minister for Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury, high officials from the ministries of jute and textile, home and industries, Customs, DCC, BJMC and BCSIR attended the meeting.