Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hassan spoke at a press briefing in the Secretariat today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Oct 05, 2025 (BSS)- Adviser on Environment, Forests and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hassan has said the journey to phase out single-use plastics (SUP) from government offices has officially begun with the Bangladesh Secretariat.
 
“With regular monitoring, the Secretariat would be completely free of single-use plastics by January 1, 2026. The use of plastic water bottles and other single-use items will be phased out by December next,” she told a press briefing in the Secretariat today.

Rizwana Hasan noted that use of single-use plastics has not been banned yet in Bangladesh. However, the government is actively discouraging their use.

Several embassies and universities have already declared their campuses free of single-use plastics, she added.

Earlier in the morning, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Farhina Ahmed monitored enforcement of the government decision to bar all from using the SUP at Gate 2 and Gate 5 of Bangladesh Secretariat.

Officials and employees carrying plastic bags and files were asked to drop those in a bin and carry clothe-made bags as alternatives.

She also inspected awareness posters, bill boards, and large displays placed across the Secretariat and visited the cafeterias of the Tourism Corporation and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Besides, police officers at all Secretariat gates are conducting round-the-clock checks to prevent the entry of single-use plastic items.