Bangladesh will enforce a complete ban on single-use plastics within the Secretariat from Sunday (October 5), in a move the government says is intended to set an example in combating products that pose serious threats to public health and the environment.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the measure in a statement on Saturday, outlining strict monitoring and enforcement inside the country’s top administrative complex.

Officials said checkpoints would be set up at all Secretariat entry points. Any disposable plastic bags or items detected will be confiscated, with paper alternatives provided to visitors. Awareness boards have been installed throughout the compound, while monitoring teams will oversee compliance.

The Cabinet Division has recently instructed all ministries to ensure that Secretariat offices shift entirely to reusable and eco-friendly materials. 

Plastic bottles, cups, plates, and cutlery will no longer be permitted at meetings or conferences. Instead, alternatives such as jute, cloth, or other reusable products are to be adopted. Government procurement guidelines have also been revised to prioritize sustainable substitutes.

In addition, Secretariat staff have been issued specific directives to discontinue the use of single-use plastics. Environmentally friendly packaging will be provided during official events, while ministries are tasked with appointing focal persons and forming monitoring committees to ensure implementation.

Authorities say the initiative is part of a broader push to reduce plastic dependency nationwide and promote eco-conscious practices in public institutions.

SMS/