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Single-use plastics, including polythene and plastic shopping bags, will be banned at the upcoming Dhaka International Trade Fair, according to Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman.
Only plastic bottles for drinking water will be allowed at the event starting on January 1, he said on Monday.
Participating companies using polythene or plastic products for their own purposes will not be eligible for any awards, including best pavilion or best stall, he added.
The commerce secretary’s comment came at a media briefing held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, the venue for the month-long fair, bdnews24.com reports.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the fair at 10:00 am on the opening day.
“One notable feature this year is that we have eliminated single-use plastics, including polythene, from the fair. At this year’s 30th International Trade Fair in Purbachal, no polythene bags will be allowed," said Mahbubur.
“You know people buy bottled water. We are still not able to supply water in glass bottles this year. From next year, we are considering installing (water) dispensers. But this time, since we cannot make that arrangement, plastic water bottles will be allowed. However, there will be a system to collect them. What is strictly prohibited is polythene bags.”
On stalls using such bags to carry their own goods, the secretary said: “Those who bring polythene bags and use them to carry their own products will not be considered for any awards such as best pavilion or best stall this year.
“Even if a stall or pavilion is otherwise the best, using plastic will make it ineligible for any award.”
At this year’s trade fair, a "Bangladesh Square" will display still photographs commemorating the Language Movement of 1952, the Liberation War of 1971, and the martyrs and injured activists from the July Uprising of 2024. Seminars will also be organised on promising sectors or product-based themes.
Authorities said that there would be dedicated electronics and furniture zones for the convenience of foreign entrepreneurs and companies. Seating corners have been arranged for senior citizens, while two children’s parks will be set up for young visitors.
An open cultural centre will also promote products and marketing. Reserved stalls have been allocated for women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and those involved in cottage industries, handloom, textiles and handicrafts.
FEWER STALLS, LARGER AREA
This year, a total of 324 pavilions and stalls in different categories have been allocated to local and foreign entrepreneurs. Of these, 11 companies are from India, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Last year, 343 companies participated in the fair.
Explaining the reduction in the number of stalls, Mahbubur Rahman said: “This year our floor price was slightly higher than last year. It was only marginally higher, not much. However, bids have increased and bid values have gone up. From that perspective, revenue will increase for EPB.”