The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is set to implement a ban on single-use plastic at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and its surrounding areas from 1 October.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan has taken the initiative under the overall guidance of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, according to a press release issued by the aviation authority today (19 September).
In collaboration with the Bangladesh Air Force, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Dhaka North City Corporation, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, Dhaka Traffic Police, Roads and Highways Department, Department of Environment, Armed Police Battalion, Bangladesh Truck and Covered Van Owners Association, Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, along with teachers, student representatives, and several other organisations, efforts will be made to raise public awareness.
Key measures taken to ban single-use plastic include using filters, glass jugs, or stainless steel glasses for water instead of plastic bottles, using reusable paper or other materials instead of plastic folders, serving food using environmentally friendly materials made of wood or bamboo, increasing the use of jute bags, increasing the use of stainless steel bins and biodegradable or reusable materials instead of plastic dustbins and polythene.
Necessary signage and digital display boards will be installed at HSIA and its surrounding areas. These will inform people about the harmful effects of using single-use plastic.
Additionally, mobile courts will be operated regularly to take action against violators, the release added.
