Single-use plastics to be banned at secretariat from Sunday

From Sunday, October 5, single-use plastics will be completely banned at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The government has taken this step to protect the environment and public health and to set an example for others to follow.

Strict checks will be conducted at all entrances to the Secretariat. Any individual or office found carrying or using plastic bags or other single-use plastic items will be prohibited from using them.

Those found with banned plastic items will be provided with paper or reusable bags. Awareness boards have been installed at various locations within the Secretariat, and a monitoring team will oversee compliance.

The Cabinet Division recently instructed all ministries to implement this initiative. The directive specifies that single-use plastic items such as bottles, cups, plates, and spoons will no longer be allowed in meetings, seminars, or office activities. Instead, emphasis will be placed on the use of jute, cloth, or reusable bags.

Government procurement must also include alternatives to plastic products. Special instructions have been issued to officials and staff to stop using single-use plastics.

Meetings and seminars will provide environmentally friendly or paper-based food packaging, and alternative materials will be supplied for office use. Each ministry has been instructed to appoint a focal person and form a monitoring committee to ensure compliance.

The notice calls for the cooperation of all concerned to make the Secretariat free from single-use plastics.