Dhaka, Apr 19 (V7N)- Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has announced that the government will distribute jute bags at subsidized prices to the public as an eco-friendly alternative to polythene shopping bags.

She made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “What to Do to Prevent Plastic Pollution” and a subsequent cleanliness drive, held at the Senate Building of Dhaka University on Saturday (April 19).

"A project has already been taken up to promote the use of jute bags. We will work in coordination with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute to make this initiative successful," said Rizwana Hasan.

She further stated that public awareness campaigns will be launched to encourage the use of jute bags, and that the initiative also aims to create new entrepreneurs in the jute sector.

“Institutional support will be ensured for sustainability,” she added, mentioning that organizations such as the Jute Diversification Promotion Center (JDPC), Small and Medium Enterprise Foundation (SMEF), and Joyita Foundation will be engaged in this initiative.

The move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to combat plastic pollution, which poses serious environmental and health hazards in Bangladesh.

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