The High Court on Thursday wanted to know whether jute bags were being used in the packaging of 19 essential commodities, including rice, pulses and sugar.
The authorities concerned have been asked to comply with the order within two months.
The High Court bench of Justice Zafar Ahmed and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed in this regard.
The High Court also issued a rule upon the relevant government authorities to explain in four weeks as to why the inaction of the respondents in implementing the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010, that requires businesses to use jute bags in packaging of at least 19 commodities, should not be declared illegal.
Law secretary, commerce secretary, agriculture secretary, jute secretary, food secretary, disaster secretary and other respondents have been asked to comply with the ruling.
Barrister Sumaiya Aziz appeared in the hearing on behalf of the writ petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Nawroz Mohammad Russel Chowdhury represented the state.
Secretary General of the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA) A Barik Khan filed the writ petition on May 26, seeking implementation of the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010.
Barrister Sumaiya said, "The government enacted a law in 2010 for the compulsory use of jute and jute bags. In the law, businesspeople were asked to ensure the use of jute bags in the packaging of all products. Later, it was decided that businesses must use jute bags for packaging of at least 19 essential commodities."
After hearing the petition, the High Court issued the rule and sought a report within two months, said the lawyer.
