Rampant sale, use of polybags in Jessore
Despite imposition of ban by the government over 10 years ago, environmentally harmful polythene bags are still in rampant use across the country. The photo was taken from Taltola More in Jessore town a few days ago. Photo: STAR
Sale and use of banned polythene bags is going on unabated throughout the district. Oblivious of its detrimental effect on environment, people are using it for 'convenience' while the authorities concerned are turning a blind eye to the matter. "Polythene bags are very cheap and convenient to use. And so, it is popular among the small sellers and buyers of grocery, vegetables, fish and meat. Recently polythene bags with handles have flooded markets in the district," said Nizam, a grocer at Taltola More in Jessore town. Admitting rampant use of polythene bags and increase in its sale recently, Dr Tarun Kanti Sikdar, director of the Department of Environment in Khulna division, said, "We are conducting drives in 10 districts under Khulna division with the help of district administration against the sale of polythene bags. Local wholesalers buy the item mostly from Old Dhaka. It is also smuggled from India. Recently BGB seized about four tonnes of polythene bags and handed over to us." He emphasised awareness building among common people about the harmful effects of polythene bag. The government imposed ban on polythene bags on January 1, 2002 in Dhaka and its countrywide ban followed two months later.
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