Super shops go polythene-free: Shoppers opt for jute bags

Samira Akhtar, a shopper at Shwapno Super Shop in Eskaton, visited the store today, fully aware of the new rule that super shops have now gone polythene-free. To avoid the additional charge for bags, she brought two jute bags from home. 

"If we carry a bag when leaving home, it shouldn't be too much of a problem—it's just a matter of habit," Samira told The Business Standard.

However, Samira expressed concern about certain items. "For wet products like fish, meat, and vegetables, they're using paper bags. Degradable polythene could be a better option in these cases."

As of 1 October, the government has banned the use of polythene bags at super shops across the capital, pushing customers toward eco-friendly alternatives.

However, not all shoppers were as prepared. Another customer at the same store had to buy a jute bag for Tk14, expressing disappointment that the jute bag wasn't provided for free, as polythene bags were given free of charge previously.

Under the new regulations, super shops now offer paper, jute, and cloth bags as alternatives. There is concern about the extra costs for jute and cloth bags.

Rahul Sarkar, cash manager at the Shwapno outlet, said, "Previously, we provided free plastic bags, which cost us Tk7 each. Now, with the shift to jute bags, the prices are higher. To encourage customers to bring their own bags, we give a Tk2 discount per bag, which they can avail up to eight times."

Similarly, Shobhan Hossain Raju, an officer at Meena Bazar in Moghbazar, highlighted their efforts to promote sustainable practices: "None of our outlets are using polythene bags anymore. To ease the transition, we're offering jute bags at half price, hoping customers will reuse them. However, we need the government to step up and help lower the cost of jute bags."

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, officially launched the polythene ban at Agora and Meena Bazar super shops.

She said, "This campaign targets polythene shopping bags. Eventually, single-use plastics will also be phased out."

Additionally, M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, addressed an event at Unimart in Gulshan-1, said "From November, the use of jute bags and sacks will be ensured throughout the country. While jute or cloth bags may be more expensive, the cost must ultimately be borne by the consumer."

The initial ban on polythene bags was enacted in 2002, but for 22 years, enforcement remained lax. The government has now taken firm steps to implement the ban to reduce environmental pollution.