Banned polythene bags return in Jhenidah

Banned polythene bags have made a comeback and are seen widely used by shoppers in Jhenidah. A lax monitoring by authorities, lack of awareness among consumers and persistent defiance by manufacturers have allowed the entry of the harmful polythene bags again and again into the markets.
 Although there has been occasional move to curb the selling of such bags through raids in shops it does not deter the manufacturers from rolling out the materials in hundreds of thousands of factories.
Last month, a mobile court, led by Assistant land commissioner of land and executive magistrate Chowdhury Rowshan Islam, seized 1680 kilograms of polythene bags from a trading house at Kabirpur bazaar in Shailkupa upazila. The mobile court fined its owner -- Sujoy Kumar -- Tk 14,000.
 Another mobile court, led by executive magistrate Nazmun Nahar, recently seized over 100 kilograms of polythene bags from shops at Kaliganj main bus stand. Later, the mobile court realised fines amounting to Tk 4,000 from ten organisations and destroyed the seized polythene bags,
On another occasion, a mobile court, headed by upazila nirbahi officer of Jhenidah sadar and first class executive magistrate Julker Nayen, seized 20 sacks of polythene bags from a couple at Arappur bus stand in Jhenidah. Later, the mobile court fined them Taka 5,000.
 A small trader at Jhenidah TA Bazaar said he knew about the harmful effect polythene bag use; but most of the people are now using the polythene bags to carry their daily commodities. Such bags are cheaper than biodegradable jute bags, he added.
 Deputy Director (DD) of the Extension of Agricultural Department Shah Mohammad Akramul Haque said the government has banned use of polythene bags considering its adverse impact on environment and  inspire the use of jute bags, which is biodegradable. But this initiative is being obstructed by some dishonest traders, who are involved in producing synthetic bags.
Shopkeeper Ismile Hossain said: “We have nothing to do. Because, we don’t get any supply of paper or jute bags.”
Mayor Saidul Karim Mintu said: “We have already launched a crackdown on sale of polythene bags in the market. Punitive measures have been taken against those selling such bags. We have already sat with some upazila chairmen to discuss about measures to strengthen the drive.”
District Commissioner Mahabub Alam Talukdar said he has asked the relevant people to strictly monitor the market and ensure that the ban on the use of polythene bags is followed.
  Residents often complain about clogging of drains with the polythene bags thrown by their users, who lack its adverse impact on environment and public health.

Banned polythene bags return in Jhenidah

Banned polythene bags have made a comeback and are seen widely used by shoppers in Jhenidah. A lax monitoring by authorities, lack of awareness among consumers and persistent defiance by manufacturers have allowed the entry of the harmful polythene bags again and again into the markets. Although there has been occasional move to curb the selling of such bags through raids in shops it does not deter the manufacturers from rolling out the materials in hundreds of thousands of factories. Last month, a mobile court, led by Assistant land commissioner of land and executive magistrate Chowdhury Rowshan Islam, seized 1680 kilograms of polythene bags from a trading house at Kabirpur bazaar in Shailkupa upazila. The mobile court fined its owner -- Sujoy Kumar -- Tk 14,000. Another mobile court, led by executive magistrate Nazmun Nahar, recently seized over 100 kilograms of polythene bags from shops at Kaliganj main bus stand. Later, the mobile court realised fines amounting to Tk 4,000 from ten organisations and destroyed the seized polythene bags, On another occasion, a mobile court, headed by upazila nirbahi officer of Jhenidah sadar and first class executive magistrate Julker Nayen, seized 20 sacks of polythene bags from a couple at Arappur bus stand in Jhenidah. Later, the mobile court fined them Taka 5,000. A small trader at Jhenidah TA Bazaar said he knew about the harmful effect polythene bag use; but most of the people are now using the polythene bags to carry their daily commodities. Such bags are cheaper than biodegradable jute bags, he added. Deputy Director (DD) of the Extension of Agricultural Department Shah Mohammad Akramul Haque said the government has banned use of polythene bags considering its adverse impact on environment and inspire the use of jute bags, which is biodegradable. But this initiative is being obstructed by some dishonest traders, who are involved in producing synthetic bags. Shopkeeper Ismile Hossain said: We have nothing to do. Because, we dont get any supply of paper or jute bags. Mayor Saidul Karim Mintu said: We have already launched a crackdown on sale of polythene bags in the market. Punitive measures have been taken against those selling such bags. We have already sat with some upazila chairmen to discuss about measures to strengthen the drive. District Commissioner Mahabub Alam Talukdar said he has asked the relevant people to strictly monitor the market and ensure that the ban on the use of polythene bags is followed. Residents often complain about clogging of drains with the polythene bags thrown by their users, who lack its adverse impact on environment and public health.