Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the drive against illegal polythene bags will continue despite resistance from vested quarters.
Speaking at a virtual meeting with deputy commissioners on Sunday, she emphasized that illegal production and distribution of polythene bags pose severe environmental threats.
The meeting, held at the Water Development Board auditorium in the capital, focused on the upcoming observance of World Fishing Cat Day on February 1 and discussed raising awareness for the conservation of the fishing cat under the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act, 2012.
The advisor condemned the attack on officials during a raid at an illegal polythene production facility in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar area on Sunday.
She said that a case was filed at Chawkbazar Police Station against those who obstructed government officials in carrying out their duties and attacked them.
Legal action will be taken against the perpetrators, she warned.
Highlighting the environmental damage caused by polythene, Rizwana pointed out that approximately 12.5 million polythene bags are discarded daily, contributing to severe pollution.
She called for collective efforts to halt the production and distribution of polythene and urged the public to raise awareness to protect endangered species like the fishing cat.
The adviser also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing operations against hill cutting, illegal brick kilns, and soil extraction from agricultural land.
bd-pratidin/GR
