The government has decided to start 'crash programme' against production and marketing of contraband polythene bags across the country, reports BSS.
"We will soon start countrywide 'crash programme' to close down illegal polythene production factories and their marketing," acting director general Sarwar Imtiaz Hashmi of Department of Environment told BSS at his office.
The department is planning to observe "polythene shopping bag free fortnight" across the country in November this year with a view to creating awareness among the people against the adverse impact of polythene to environment, he said.
Concerned deputy commissioners (DCs) have already been served with letters to this end, also said.
Hashmi called for using the bags made of jute and paper instead of polythene ones and recycling of non-contraband polythene bags.
The official informed that a total of 2,956 drives of the mobile courts have been conducted against the contraband polythene till July this year since 2010 and seized 837.16 tonnes of polythene bags and realised Taka 8.24 crore as fine.
The government has banned uses of polythene bags in 2002. But, as many as 264 polythene bag producing factories are now conducting their operation in the country.
