PM orders tougher action against uncontrolled polythene, plastic use

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered law enforcement agencies to take tougher action against the uncontrolled use of polythene and plastic as part of efforts to curb environmental pollution.

He also directed the ministries, departments and agencies concerned to properly carry out their respective responsibilities, according to a review meeting on environmental pollution control held at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday (September 9).

The meeting, chaired by the prime minister, reviewed progress on government measures to reduce pollution, including efforts to promote environmentally friendly block bricks, control air, water, soil and noise pollution, and improve waste management.

Participants also discussed steps to strengthen implementation of existing measures and improve coordination among the agencies responsible for environmental protection.

Particular emphasis was placed on enforcing restrictions on the indiscriminate use of polythene and plastic, which officials said continues to contribute significantly to environmental degradation.

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, among other senior ministers, advisers and officials, attended the meeting. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam and the prime minister’s special assistant for environment, forest and climate change, Dr Saimum Parvez, were also present.