Polythene, though easily available and seemingly convenient, has become one of the most dangerous curses of modern life. Over the past few decades, it has grown into an irresistible monster within the natural environment of Bangladesh. The initiative to ban polythene is not new. In 2002, Bangladesh became the first country in the world to impose a ban on polythene bags. Unfortunately, today that historic decision exists mostly on paper. This raises a critical question: is polythene truly unbeatable? Why has such a harmful product survived despite repeated government actions? It is now essential to uncover the real reasons behind this failure, otherwise our beloved country risks turning into a vast wasteland.
The most commonly cited reason for the continued use of polythene is its low cost and the lack of affordable alternatives. In everyday markets, polythene bags are handed out freely, while jute or cloth bags remain relatively expensive and scarce. However, a deeper investigation reveals that the problem goes far beyond consumer convenience. Behind the scenes operates a powerful and unscrupulous business syndicate. Illegal polythene factories have mushroomed in industrial and densely populated areas, including places like Kamrangirchar in the capital. These factories openly violate environmental laws under the protection of influential local circles. Whenever authorities conduct raids, production temporarily slows or goes underground, only to resume once enforcement weakens. This long-running cat-and-mouse game has rendered the ban ineffective.
Although the current interim government has renewed calls for a polythene-free Bangladesh, its biggest challenge lies in breaking this hidden power network. Environmental experts argue that fines and imprisonment alone will not work unless the source of production is permanently shut down and affordable alternatives are ensured. Without dismantling the supply chain, all enforcement efforts will remain superficial.
The impact of polythene on agriculture is even more alarming and long-term. Polythene waste forms impermeable layers over farmland, obstructing air circulation and preventing rainwater from reaching deeper soil layers. This disrupts soil structure, destroys beneficial microorganisms, and reduces fertility. Over time, such damage threatens national food security. Tourist destinations present another distressing picture. From Cox's Bazar to Sajek, plastic waste left by visitors is scattered across beaches, hills, and forests, eroding natural beauty. Nature has exceeded its tolerance limit. Due to plastic accumulation in soil, plants are deprived of essential nutrients. If this continues unchecked, nature's retaliation may prove devastating for human survival.
There must be limits to human consumption, yet we have crossed all boundaries in our use of polythene. Today, it is used even to carry trivial items like matches or lozenges. This unnecessary dependence has turned our environment into a slow-moving death trap. Public habit and lack of awareness also contribute to the failure of the ban. Many people now feel embarrassed to carry cloth or jute bags, despite the fact that previous generations proudly did so. In the name of misguided modernity, we have abandoned sustainable traditions. Environmental movements must therefore move beyond seminars and discussions. Grassroots resistance, neighborhood-level boycotts, and widespread awareness campaigns through education and social media are urgently needed.
Breaking the economic structure that sustains polythene requires reviving the domestic jute industry. Once known worldwide for jute production, Bangladesh can again use this golden fiber as a powerful alternative. Government subsidies could make jute bags cheaper than polythene, encouraging widespread adoption. Polythene factories should be rehabilitated and incentivized to produce jute products or biodegradable materials. Alongside strict law enforcement, a transparent and corruption-free monitoring system must ensure that illegal polythene does not re-enter the market.
Polythene is not irresistible; rather, our collective determination has weakened. If we fail to curb its consumption now, we will leave the next generation a lifeless environment with infertile soil, polluted rivers, and vanishing biodiversity. A polythene-free Bangladesh is not merely a slogan but a necessity for survival. Government authorities, administrators, environmentalists, and citizens must stand united against this invisible poison. There are alternatives to polythene, but there is no alternative to Earth. The time to act is now, before nature delivers a final and irreversible warning.
The writer is Vice President, Chandina Press Club
