Polythene Ban Needs More Than Raids
The government has ordered tougher enforcement as banned polythene use resurges across Bangladesh. But vendors say suitable alternatives are often unavailable, pointing to a gap that enforcement alone cannot close.
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In a Nutshell
- The government has ordered more mobile court drives and legal action against the production, transport, sale and use of banned polythene bags.
- Authorities are also stepping up efforts to close illegal manufacturing facilities and monitor fresh markets.
- BSS found polythene still in use at grocery, vegetable, fish and fruit stalls. Vendors said alternatives were hard to find, while shoppers cited polythene’s low cost and convenience.
- Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder recommended reusable jute or cloth shopping bags, alongside stronger enforcement and better waste removal.
- Polythene has been banned nationwide since 2002. Its continued use contributes to blocked drains, pollution and threats to wildlife and marine ecosystems, including around Saint Martin’s Island.
Context
Bangladesh’s ban on polythene bags has been in place since March 1, 2002, but their use has resurged in markets. The government has ordered intensified mobile court operations and action against illegal production, transport, marketing and use.
A report by BSS says that polythene is still commonly used at markets in Dhaka and elsewhere. Vendors say suitable substitutes are not readily available, and customers often arrive without reusable bags.
Why It Matters
Polythene is something that does not disappear after checkout. Discarded bags clog drains, contribute to waterlogging and break down into microplastics that enter soil, water and food chains. Plastic waste also harms animals and threatens marine life, including the coral ecosystem around Saint Martin’s Island.
Effective enforcement is important, but shoppers and vendors cannot switch if affordable alternatives are missing from the places where they buy and sell. SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder recommends reusable jute or cloth bags. Paper bags may also serve some needs, especially for dry goods, while reusable containers may replace disposable packaging in appropriate cases. The best alternative depends on the product, however, durable items used repeatedly is a better option than just replacing one disposable bag with another. UNEP notes that paper and cotton bags also have environmental footprints, making repeated reuse important.
What We Think
Raids alone may not be able to end a habit built around the cheapest and easiest option. Reusable jute and cloth bags might be made affordable and available in every market. Local authorities and market committees require clear targets for reducing plastic-bag use. Political leaders, community figures, NGOs and civil-society groups may lead by example through their own use of these alternatives and by helping vendors and shoppers adopt them.