HM Russel, Amtali (Barguna)

Banned polythenes have grabbed all bazars at Taltali Upazila in Barguna Taltali's Fakirhat Fish Landing Center is like a polythene barn. Residents of that areas have complained that the administration is not taking action against it even though there are government directives to stop its use.

Polythene worth about Tk 25 thousand is being used every day in Fakirhat fish landing center of Taltali upazila. The environment is under serious threat. There are also complaints that the traders of Fakirhat market are doing such work by managing the upazila administration and police administration. Conscious citizens have demanded effective measures to stop polythene.

It is reported that last October, the Ministry of Environment announced the ban on polythene. But even after that announcement, the use of polythene in Amtali-Taltali upazila did not stop. In these two upazilas, at least lakhs worth of polythene is being used every day. Out of this, at least 25 thousand taka worth of polythene is being used every day in Fakirhat fish landing center of Taltali upazila.

Traders are supplying fish to different parts of the country by packing fish in that polythene. Environmental activist Arifur Rahman fears that the environment will be under serious threat. It is alleged that they are using this polythene by managing the upazila administration and police administration. As the administration does not take effective action against the fish traders, they are using polythene freely.

A few people from Taltali Fakirhat fish landing center area who did not wish to disclose their names said that at least 25,000 rupees worth of polythene is being used in Fakirhat fish market every day. Administration people come and visit but they do not take action.

On Thursday, it was seen that fish traders are packing fish in polythene at Fakirhat fish landing center of Taltali upazila. There are polythene packed fish boxes lying around. They left the abandoned polythene next to the market. Besides, polythene is being sold freely in Amtali-Taltali market.

A few small businessmen who did not want to be named said that about 25,000 rupees worth of polythene is used in Fakirhat fish landing center every day. The administration also knows about this polythene.

Sohrab Sardar of Taltali Fakirhat Fish Landing Center said that the government has banned polythene in Dhaka but not in our region. So I am packing fish in polythene. He also said that even if polythene is used, the administration does not say anything.

President of Amtali Citizens Committee retired professor Md. Abul Hossain Biswas said that even though the government has banned the use of polythene, the traders are not complying. Polythene is being sold and used freely. He also said that the government is demanded to take action against those who are producing polythene. The use of polythene will automatically stop when the production stops. He also demanded the government to make an alternative to polythene as soon as possible.

Taltali Fakirhat Fish Landing Center General Secretary Md. Mujibar Faraji said that polythene is needed to pack fish. Polythene is brought from Taltali and Barguna to pack the fish. This packaged fish is being exported to different regions of the country. However, in response to the question why he is using the banned polythene, he said that he will stop using it only if the government makes an alternative to polythene.

Taltali police station OC Md. Kalam Khan said, necessary measures will be taken after talking to the upazila administration. Taltali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mosa Umme Salma said that legal action will be taken by conducting a quick operation. No one can use polythene.

Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Ashraful Alam said, the campaign to ban polythene is going on. Last Wednesday, I conducted a raid and fined . He also said that polythene will be stopped in Amtali at any cost.