Bangladesh, which first banned polythene bags in 2002, now grapples with soaring plastic consumption despite earlier success. The recent government aims to reinstate a crackdown amid significant obstacles, including political instability and industry resistance. Key considerations include public support, enforcement strategies, and the pricing of environmentally friendly alternatives.

Since 2002, Bangladesh has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives by becoming the first nation to ban polythene bags. Despite this significant step, per capita plastic use has dramatically increased, rising from 3 kg in 2002 to 9 kg by 2020. The alarming rise in plastic pollution has led to dire consequences for the country’s waterways, particularly clogging the crucial drainage systems of Dhaka.

Amid renewed efforts by the new government, which came into power in October 2024, there is a need to investigate the reasons for the initial ban’s inadequacy. The push for the ban was largely driven by civic activism and environmental groups, which succeeded in mobilizing public support. However, the lack of political commitment and proper enforcement has limited the ban’s effectiveness.

The initial enthusiasm for the ban in 2002 quickly waned as political turmoil took center stage. Despite early success in reducing polythene bag usage through enforcement efforts, such as mobile court operations, subsequent governments failed to uphold the ban strictly, leading to a resurgence in the polythene industry. Industry pressures and political instability severely undermined the earlier gains made against plastic use.

The ban’s unraveling began in earnest when the Awami League returned to power in 2009, permitting thicker plastic bags for various industries. The decline of the jute industry amid a favorable environment for plastics signaled a broader rollback of earlier environmental advancements. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the reliance on single-use plastics, resulting in a significant reduction in jute bag consumption.

The current government is undertaking measures to revive the 2002 ban on polythene, facing significant challenges such as the densely populated and chaotic urban environment of Dhaka. Time-consuming and often thwarted enforcement actions complicate effective policing against illegal factories. Despite a renewed crackdown, limited progress has been observed since the government’s reimposition of the ban in late 2024.

For the renewed ban to have any chance of success, pricing strategies must be pivotal. Vendors often depend on the cheaper polythene bags, and consumers are reluctant to pay more for jute alternatives. Subsidies may be required to make jute bags competitively priced, as the current disparity is a significant barrier to widespread adoption of sustainable alternatives.

The future of Bangladesh’s anti-plastic policy hinges on the government’s capacity to enforce regulations effectively while balancing industry pressures and potential public unrest. There must be a concerted effort to adopt a comprehensive strategy, which includes investing in sustainable alternatives and maintaining the momentum against polythene to mitigate plastic pollution effectively.

In summary, Bangladesh’s struggles with single-use plastics illustrate that political commitment and effective enforcement are crucial for environmental legislation. The successes and failures of past policies provide important lessons as the new government seeks to address these challenges. To attain the desired impact of the renewed crackdown on plastic pollution, a multi-faceted approach that considers the economic implications for vendors and consumers will be necessary.

Original Source: www.eco-business.com

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