Green activists recently demanded that the government strictly implement laws to ensure ban on polythene and bring the law-breakers to book in order to save the environment from plastic pollution.
Speaking at a seminar, jointly organized by nine government and non-government organizations -- including Department of Environment and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) -- at Bon Bhaban in Dhaka's Agargaon, they also called for ensuring usage of alternatives like jute and jute polymer bags, and promote those through providing incentives.
In addition, they urged both the government and people to ensure recycling and reuse of plastic products.
Bapa Joint Secretary Mihir Biswas said the government banned polythene in 2002, but use of this product that is harmful for the environment is still rampant.
Plastic pollution has reached the Bay of Bengal after wreaking havoc on the rivers and canals, he added.
If the government does not become cautious now, it will keep affecting the environment more and more, he said while presenting a keynote paper.
