DHAKA, June 14, 2023 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said initiatives should be taken to increase the use of sustainable alternatives to plastic and eco-friendly products aiming to cut plastic’s visible threat to human health.

“All, including producers and exporters of plastic products, various market associations, manufacturers of alternative products to polythene and environmental organisations, should work responsibly to this end,” he said.

“Everyone should work together to protect and develop the environment and prevent environmental pollution as well as create a country free from harmful effects of plastic,” the minister told the closing ceremony of the World Environment Day 2023 at the Department of Environment (DoE) here.

Addressing as chief guest, he said the government is working tirelessly to manage all types of plastic and polythene waste.  

“The action plan, formulated in this regard, has undertaken initiatives to recycle 50 percent of plastic waste by 2025.  Also, an action plan has already been adopted to reduce plastic waste by 30 percent by 2030.  A target has been set to stop the use of single-use plastic by 90 percent by 2026,” Shahab Uddin said.

Additional Secretary of the ministry Iqbal Abdullah Harun was present as special guest at the closing ceremony with DoE Director General Dr Abdul Hamid in the chair.  

DoE Additional Director General Kazi Abu Taher also spoke in the occasion.