The
menace of polythene is regarded as a threat to our environment because it
cannot be burned ordestroyed. It is a matter of congratulation that Bangladesh
Government has banned length. People
were demanding to stop the production, uses and black-marketing of polythene
bags. At last in a meeting, presided over by the Prime Minister in the presence
of the Environment and Forest Minister, this decision was taken. In this
decision it was banned firstly from Dhaka
City from 01 January 2002
and from 01 March from the whole country. On an average, 6 million polythene
bags were being used everyday only in Dhaka City.
About eighty percent of these bags were thrown out into dustbin. Forty percent
of these polythene bags find their way into the drain, sewerage line and
manhole. As polythene remains unchanged like a strong curtain through which
nothing can pass, the dirty water of drains and manhole is overflowed. As a
result, water clogs stagnantly in different places. About 5 million pieces of jute-bags
were marketed as alternative immediate after the banning of polythene bags.
These bags cost five to seven taka per piece. BJMC also delivers jute bags
costing taka two only. After a few days multitude bags are marketed. People are
now able to carry these bags in pocket. All types of polythene bags have many
disadvantages. It cannot be mixed with soil and thus the fertility of
cultivable land is lessened. It spreads skin diseases and causes harm to
nutrition of trees. Besides, air is polluted while burning these polythene
bags. It also causes some serious chronic diseases like tuberculosis and
cancer. We should avoid using as well as producing polythene bags as early as
possible with a view to liberating our natural environment from their
disadvantages. The specialists think that it may take time to ensure not using
the polythene bags anywhere. Now it has been a burning question for us all that
we should stop the production, uses and marketing of polythene bags for our own
betterment as soon as possible