The use of harmful single-use plastic (SUP) items will be banned in Bangladesh Secretariat from October 2, said Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid.
He made this announcement while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Sustainable Plastic Use in the Secretariat: A Future for a Single-Use Plastic Free Environment", organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the Multipurpose Hall of the Finance Division, reads a press release on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Abdur Rashid said plastic pollution is a global challenge requiring collective international efforts.
"Our actions must not only serve our present needs but also safeguard the future for the next generation. We must leave behind a healthier and more sustainable world for them," the cabinet secretary said.
Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed, who chaired the seminar, said that the ministry will soon formulate and implement a detailed action plan to enforce the ban.
She also affirmed that the Secretariat would be made environment-friendly through coordinated efforts of all ministries.
Special guests at the seminar included Finance Division Secretary Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Housing and Public Works Secretary Nazrul Islam, and UNIDO Country Representative Zaki Uz Zaman.
The keynote presentation was delivered by the Additional Secretary (Environment) of the ministry, Fahmida Khanom.
Several senior officials and secretaries from other ministries also addressed the seminar.
During the event, the environment secretary handed over a list of 17 identified single-use plastic items to the cabinet secretary. In exchange, the cabinet secretary distributed eco-friendly alternative products to other participating secretaries.
Comments