To control environmental pollution caused by single-use plastic items, the Cabinet Division has instructed all government offices to use alternative products.聽
This directive was issued on Thursday, following a request from the adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, said a press release.
The directive discouraged the use of all single-use plastic products, including plates, glasses, cups, spoons, and cutlery.
It was requested that paper or other eco-friendly materials be used instead of plastic files and folders, while cotton and jute fabric bags should replace plastic ones, and glass bottles and glasses are recommended as alternatives to plastic water bottles.
Banners made from cotton fabric, jute, or biodegradable materials should replace plastic ones, and plastic lamination on invitation cards, visiting cards, and promotional leaflets should be avoided, the release said.聽
It also emphasised that food packets provided at meetings and seminars should be made of paper or eco-friendly materials.
Pencils or paper pens should be used instead of plastic pens and in all publications, including annual reports, plastic and laminated covers should be avoided, and plastic-free flower bouquets are encouraged, the release said.
The Cabinet Division requested all senior secretaries, secretaries, divisional commissioners, and district commissioners to instruct their respective ministries, divisions and affiliated offices and agencies to take appropriate actions in this regard.
As part of raising awareness and taking effective steps against plastic pollution, the Cabinet Division has asked all secretaries to ministries and divisions to implement measures to declare Bangladesh Secretariat free from single-use plastics, as per a letter issued on August 15.
On August 28, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued a notification identifying 17 types of items and substances as 鈥榮ingle-use plastics.鈥�
On August 29, through another office order, the ministry declared the cessation of single-use plastic use at both personal and official levels within the ministry and its affiliated offices and agencies, urging all officers and employees to take action.