Govt to distribute jute bags as polythene alternative

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (19 April) said that the government will provide jute bags to the public as an alternative to polythene bags through a subsidized initiative.

Speaking at a seminar and cleanliness campaign at Dhaka University’s Senate Bhaban, Rizwana said a project is already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

A nationwide campaign will be launched to promote the use of jute bags, she added, noting that new entrepreneurs will be developed with support from institutions like JDPC, SME Foundation, and Joyeeta Foundation.

Highlighting the need for collective action against plastic pollution, she urged people to stop using unnecessary plastics and challenged the notion that plastic has no alternatives.

Dhaka University to become a campus free of single-use plastics and noise pollution, she added.

The seminar was presided over by DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan.