Secretariat to be fully plastic-free from the new year, says Rizwana

The move is the first step in phasing out single-use plastic from government offices

The government aims to make the Bangladesh Secretariat completely free of single-use plastic by Jan 1, Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, Rizwana said the initiative to phase out single-use plastic from government offices has begun with the Secretariat.

“The use of water bottles and other single-use plastic items will be stopped by December,” she said.

She added that although single-use plastics are not yet legally banned in Bangladesh, the government is discouraging their use.

“Several embassies and universities have already declared their campuses plastic-free.”

Earlier in the day, Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed monitored the implementation activities at Gates 2 and 5 of the Secretariat.

Officials handed over plastic bags and files in exchange for fabric alternatives.

Farhina also inspected awareness posters, boards and standees inside the Secretariat, and visited the Parjatan Corporation cafeteria and the Home Ministry canteen.

Police personnel stationed at all entrances conducted checks to prevent the entry of single-use plastic items into the Secretariat premises.