Mobile courts run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has fined nearly Tk 29 lakh and seized around 60,000 kilograms of polythene in drives against polythene use in 31 days till Saturday across the country. 

Speaking to reporters, additional secretary and chief of the monitoring committee Tapan Kumar Biswas  said since November 3, 216 mobile courts were conducted across the country that imposed fine of  Tk 28,73,300 on 438 establishments.

 A total of 59,959 kilograms of illegal polythene were seized during the period, he added. 

On Saturday, a raid was conducted in Palashi and Hatirpool areas’ kitchen markets led by Tapan Kumar Biswas.

5 brickfields in Feni fined Tk 58 lakh; 2 others evicted

He said, “The number of mobile courts has increased to enforce stricter measures. Legal actions will be taken against the  offenders.”

Pollution caused by polythene has reached alarming levels, obstructing the flow of rivers and canals and degrading soil fertility, he said.

He urged citizens to adopt sustainable practices including carrying their own bags while shopping and using alternatives such as jute or cloth bags. 

He emphasised the role of public awareness and media cooperation in enforcing the polythene ban adding, “We need everyone's cooperation to succeed in banning polythene.” 

Officials from the environment ministry, department of environment, law enforcement agencies and market committee representatives participated in the drive.

The monitoring team also inspected shops and encouraged traders to switch to eco-friendly alternatives.