He assured Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) of government's full-scale co-operation in the export of plastic goods, which are produced in abundance in Bangladesh.

Huda was speaking at the launching ceremony of 'Social Marketing Campaign for Plastic Industry' at a city hotel, where the commerce ministry adviser also spoke about the export potential of these products.

The communications minister blamed the country's people for their poor knowledge about the use of such products.

"Due to the knowledge limitations of the people regarding usage of polythene we have to impose ban on the local use of that," he told the function. He, however, said that there is no need of using the proscribed polythene at home.

But, he said, production for exporting polythene and plastic goods has not been banned, as it is a potential item for the country to earn foreign exchange.

"Plastic is a part of our life; plastic industry is harmless industry and effective substitution. This industry should be expanded further," he observed.

Commerce Advisor M Barkat Ullah Bulu mentioned that polythene and plastic goods secured the 5th position among the forex-earning items.

He said that household plastic goods are the good replacement for timber. "By using this goods we can preserve our valuable forests that are very much essential for good environment in a country."