The government’s strict ban on polythene and polypropylene shopping bags has officially started in the capital’s supermarkets. Supermarket staff are supportive of the initiative, but many shoppers remain unsure about the alternatives’ affordability and practicality.
The ban, which began on October 1, will extend to kitchen markets by November 1. This decision follows the interim government’s recent push to reduce plastic waste.
During visits to various supermarkets in Mirpur 10, Kazipara, Shewrapara, and Dhanmondi, compliance with the new rules was observed. Several supermarkets have already begun enforcing the ban, though customers showed mixed reactions.
At Agora supermarket in Shewrapara, a loudspeaker reminded shoppers to avoid polythene bags. According to the announcement, customers must now bring eco-friendly bags. “We’ve been avoiding poly bags for a long time,” said a salesman at the store. He added, “With the government’s new initiative, we are reminding our customers about the policy.”
Alternative bags, such as jute or paper, are being offered in supermarkets at prices ranging from Tk 6 to Tk 30. However, customers expressed dissatisfaction with having to pay for something that was previously free. One customer, Md Salah Uddin, at Shawpno’s Kazipara branch, remarked, “Banning polythene is positive, but what are the practical alternatives?”
Another shopper raised concerns about carrying fish and meat in paper or jute bags. “Polythene bags were previously used for these items. What’s the alternative now?” they asked.
Hasan Ali, a senior salesman at Meena Bazar’s Senpara branch in Mirpur 10, said that while many customers praised the decision, some argued with staff over the lack of free bags.
The price of the alternative bags, mostly made from jute or paper, remains a point of concern. “People aren’t happy paying for something they used to get for free,” a salesman mentioned.
On September 9, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced the ban during a meeting with stakeholders at the Bangladesh Secretariat. An official from the environment ministry noted that although the plastic bag ban has been in place since 2002, enforcement is now stricter.
As supermarkets adjust to the new rules, shoppers will need to adapt by bringing their own bags. While the transition may cause some inconvenience, the ban is an important step in reducing environmental pollution. With time, it is hoped that the public will embrace this change for a cleaner, greener future.