ZCZC
BSS-14
POLLUTION-PLASTIC
Invention of one-time used plastic’s alternative urged
DHAKA, Feb 14, 2020 (BSS) – Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today urged the universities to invent an alternative to one-time used plastic and polythene now being used widely causing serious health hazards and environmental problem.
“The universities should carry out research to invent an alternative to one-time used plastic considering its consequence on environment and human body,” he told a programme at the Dhaka University Curzon Hall here.
Terming the plastic as an element of modern age, the minister said plastic wastes takes 450 years to decompose in landfills. “So, it is very much urgent to make the plastic utilization process suitable for environment through increasing its recycling.”
With Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Akhtaruzzaman in the chair, the programme also addressed, among others, by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Samad, Biology Faculty Dean Prof Dr M Imdadul Haq, Proctor D AK M Golam Rabbani, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr AM M Rafiq Ahammad and Chairman of the Zoology Department Professor Humayun Reza Khan.
Shahab Uddin said plastic and polythene are responsible for water, air and soil pollution. Plastic also causes cancer and other deadly diseases in human body, he added.
He also urged the universities to conduct research on the animals which have already been extinct or on the verge of extinction due to environment pollution.
The minister said only imposing a ban or taking legal action is not enough to stop uses of polythene, rather people spontaneously should come forward to avoid its use in the greater interest of future generation.
BSS/OG/MRU/1828hrs