BSS
  11 Oct 2025, 16:50

Oath to eliminate polythene held in Khulna

Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Oct 11, 2025 (BSS) - An oath-taking ceremony pledging to eliminate polythene use was held at the District Bar Association auditorium, the first of its kind in Khulna, on Saturday.

Gonotantrik Odhikar Shurokkha Moncho, Khulna, a social organization, organized the event at the orientation ceremony of its newly formed executive committee.

Advocate Abdullah Hossain Bacchu, Convener of the Khulna District Bar Association, attended the event as the chief guest, while Advocate Khan Moniruzzaman, Convener of the organizing body and President of the Income Tax Lawyers Association, presided over the ceremony.

Among others, former Chief Medical Officer of Khulna University Dr AKM Kamrul Islam addressed the event as a special guest.

Member Secretary of the Committee Kazi Motahar Rahman Babu, Executive members Advocate Md Mominul Islam, and Sardar Abu Taher also spoke at the event. Advocate Md Zobaer Sheikh conducted the proceedings.

Citing a study by Khulna University, speakers said microplastics have been found in 17 species of fish and three species of shellfish in major rivers flowing through the Sundarbans. Even pieces of polythene were detected inside fish stomachs. The chemical toxicity of polythene contributes to global warming, triggering natural calamities like earthquakes and lightning.

Every day, Bangladesh produces around 24,000 metric tons of polythene waste, which damages soil fertility, causes waterlogging, and reduces river navigability.

Quoting the Water, Air & Soil Pollution journal, speakers noted that microplastic particles have been found in the stomachs of Hilsa fish in Bangladesh, posing a potential cancer risk.

They also warned that by 2060, global plastic use may triple, and by 2040, plastic waste in soil and water may increase by 50 percent.

The participants took a pledge to completely abandon polythene use and encourage neighbors and relatives to do the same. They urged the Department of Environment to strictly enforce the Environmental Conservation Act, 1995, and halt the production, sale, and marketing of polythene. Only then, they said, will Khulna become a livable city for future generations.

During the event, the Bar Association convener announced that over a hundred lawyers will take the same oath later this month.