FROM PAGE 3

She said 34 percent of retailers use 10–30 bags daily, while only 2 percent do not use any.

Although 54 percent of retailers reported having alternatives such as jute, cotton or paper bags, polythene use is still increasing annually. However, 55 percent said they would switch if alternatives were affordable and accessible, Noshin said.

Among urban respondents with moderate to high education, 81 percent were aware of the ban, but 36 percent did not use alternatives, while 64 percent used alternatives, but not exclusively. She said the findings suggest that the continued use of polythene bags is not merely an environmental concern but also a reflection of a broader governance issue.

The organisation recommended decentralising the ban enforcement, strengthening environmental education, and providing incentives for businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives. It also called for greater involvement of vendors, workers and manufacturers to ensure a smooth transition away from polythene.

Shahriar Hossain, secretary general of ESDO, said it was concerning that discussions on alternatives are still ongoing more than two decades after the ban.

He said the government bears the primary responsibility for the continued use of polythene bags, although consumers must also share part of the blame.

Former government secretary and ESDO President Syed Marghub Murshed said strict enforcement of the law is necessary, but behavioural change and active stakeholder participation are also essential to address the issue.

ESDO Executive Director Siddika Sultana urged addressing gaps and inconsistencies among existing policies to ensure the effective implementation of the ban on polythene use.

Ayesha Mostafa of ESDO moderated the programme.