Staff reporter Dhaka: The Government has taken several important decisions to make the Secretariat free from single-use plastic (SUP) from October 2, 2025. To build an eco-friendly Secretariat, strict checking will be introduced at all entrances to prevent the entry of identified single-use plastic items. Visitors will receive OTP messages containing instructions not to bring SUPs.

Security personnel, officials, and employees of the Secretariat will receive training on the harmful effects of plastic and the use of alternatives. Banners and stickers carrying messages on a plastic-free environment will be displayed at Secretariat buildings, entrances, and in front of lifts. From the same date, all shopping outlets and canteens inside the Secretariat will stop using single-use plastic bottles, cups, plates, and spoons. Instead, jute bags, cloth bags, and other eco-friendly items will be encouraged.

Each ministry will appoint a focal person and form a monitoring committee. These committees will regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of plastic-free initiatives at the Secretariat. Not only the Secretariat but also ministries and departments located outside the Secretariat premises will implement this program. The issue will be included as a regular agenda item in monthly coordination meetings.

To implement these decisions, the Pollution Control Wing-1 of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has already issued official letters to relevant ministries and departments. In addition, the Ministry’s monitoring committee will visit ministries to assess the progress of implementation.

Single-use plastic does not easily decompose and causes severe damage to soil, water, and biodiversity. Therefore, this initiative to make the Secretariat plastic-free is a firm step by the Government of Bangladesh towards an eco-friendly and sustainable future. If this pilot program succeeds, it will serve as a model for the entire country. All are requested to extend their cooperation in making this initiative successful.