The government has launched its journey to phase out single-use plastics (SUP) from all government offices, starting with the Bangladesh Secretariat, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced on Sunday.

She expressed optimism that, with regular monitoring, the Secretariat would become completely free of single-use plastics by January 1, 2026.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, the adviser said the use of plastic water bottles and other disposable items will be discontinued by December.

Although single-use plastics are not yet banned by law, the government is strongly discouraging their use,” she said, adding that several embassies and universities in the country have already declared their premises plastic-free.

Earlier in the day, Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, monitored enforcement activities at Gate No. 2 and Gate No. 5 of the Secretariat. Officials carrying plastic bags or files were asked to surrender them and were provided with cloth alternatives.

She also inspected awareness materials such as posters, boards and standees placed across the Secretariat and visited the cafeterias of the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure compliance.

Additionally, police officers stationed at all entrances of the Secretariat have been instructed to conduct round-the-clock checks to prevent the entry of single-use plastic items.

The initiative marks the first step in the government’s broader plan to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices across all public institutions.