Single-use plastic causing harm to ecosystem: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the widespread use and mismanagement of single-use plastic products are destabilising the ecosystem.

"Globally, over the past 70 years, multipurpose and uncontrolled use of plastics, especially over-production of single-use plastic, its widespread use and mismanagement are causing waterlogging and destabilising ecosystems ranging from fertile agricultural lands to waterbodies," she said in a message on the eve of the World Environment Day to be observed tomorrow.

Sheikh Hasina said from marine fish to other marine animals, livestock and humans, the microplastics are entering the food chain.

As a result, she said, the number of marine animals is decreasing and various living creatures, including humans, are suffering from cancer and various chronic diseases.

"Therefore, now is the right time to reduce the production and use of plastics, increase the reuse and recycling of plastics and develop viable alternatives to plastics," the premier said.

She said the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has already formed an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) giving the greatest importance to plastic pollution and its solution and it is working to draft a Legally Binding Agreement by 2024 with the aim of stopping plastic pollution.

The prime minister said the Awami League-led government has taken multifaceted initiatives to reduce plastic production and ensure proper management.

The government has adopted the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (Amended 2010), Environmental Conservation Rules-2023 and the Mandatory Jute Packaging Rules 2013, she said.

To achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals-2030, the government is implementing various programmes with utmost importance on nature and environment conservation, she said.

The premier said special emphasis is being given to setting up new economic zones and industrial establishments to ensure compliance with environmental and environmental regulations.

"We have adopted the Blue-Economy Action Plan to mainstream marine environment conservation, prevention of marine pollution and sustainable management of marine resources," she added.

The premier said also, the government has already formulated the 'National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-50, Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 2021 and 'Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP) 2022-41' as part of a comprehensive response to climate change.

She hoped through the celebration of World Environment Day, public awareness and public involvement in environmental conservation and sustainable management of the environment will increase.