Single-use plastics banned in Bangladesh secretariat

Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid on Tuesday declared a ban on harmful single-use plastic (SUP) items in the Bangladesh Secretariat, effective from October 2, 2025. 

To facilitate a smooth transition, a preparatory phase in August and September will guide officials to phase out plastic use gradually.

The announcement was made during Dr Rashid’s address as chief guest at a seminar, "Sustainable Plastic Use in the Secretariat: A Future for a Single-Use Plastic Free Environment," hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the Finance Division’s Multipurpose Hall.

Highlighting plastic pollution as a pressing global issue, Dr Rashid called for unified international action and underscored the urgency of effective medical waste management. 

“Our efforts must meet today’s demands while securing a healthier, sustainable world for future generations,” he stated.

Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, who presided over the seminar, announced that the ministry will soon roll out a comprehensive action plan to enforce the ban. 

She pledged to transform the Secretariat into an eco-friendly hub through inter-ministerial collaboration.

The seminar featured special guests, including Finance Division Secretary Dr Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Housing and Public Works Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, and UNIDO Country Representative Dr. Zaki Uz Zaman. 

Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Environment), delivered the keynote address, with senior officials and secretaries from various ministries also sharing insights.