Environment and plastic pollution are hot topics today. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is pushing for change. At a recent seminar at the University of Dhaka, she emphasized the need to cut down on plastic use, especially single-use items, which are a major environmental concern.

Hasan announced that the government is rolling out a project to distribute jute shopping bags at lower prices to replace harmful polythene bags. This is part of a larger campaign to combat plastic pollution and promote cleanliness in urban areas. She stated that many people believe there are no alternatives to plastic, but this is simply not true.
In her speech, Hasan encouraged the support of new entrepreneurs in making these bags. Organizations like the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre and the SME Foundation will help sustain this initiative. “While we can’t change everything overnight, these efforts will gradually shift public habits,” she noted.
Awareness campaigns are also set to begin, aiming to educate the public about the benefits of using jute bags. Statistics show that single-use plastics make up a significant portion of waste in cities, making this campaign especially timely. According to a recent study by the World Economic Forum, the equivalent of a garbage truck’s worth of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute. This underlines the urgent need for action.
Hasan urged collective effort, stating that each individual can take steps to reduce plastic use. For example, cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles have successfully implemented strict bans on single-use plastics, leading to improved waste management and reduced pollution levels. It shows that if communities come together, real change can happen.
Support from institutions is crucial as well. Hasan called on the University of Dhaka to take bold steps by declaring its campus a single-use plastics-free zone. The seminar featured several notable speakers from government and academia, all promoting the same message: change is needed now.
In summary, as we face the growing threat of plastic pollution, the push for sustainable alternatives like jute bags is a hopeful sign. With ongoing awareness efforts and support for new businesses, we can all contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
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