Environmental groups say that without tougher environmental legislation it will be very difficult for the government to attain any success in its fight against polythene

These discarded polythene bags have posed a new environmental threat for an overcrowded city which is already suffering from high levels of air pollution and other kinds of environmental hazards.

The government's decision to ban polythene was generally welcomed by the public, but environmental groups are doubtful how far the government will go to implement the decision.

The Environment Ministry has launched a massive publicity campaign to persuade the public not to use polythene bags.

Environment Minister Shahajahan Siraj says the campaign has been successful in raising the awareness of the public about the hazards of the bags.

Mr Siraj says they are promoting jute bags as an alternative to polythene and people have responded positively.

Production ban

Despite the campaign, a large number of Dhaka residents were seen on Tuesday using polythene bags which they say are user friendly and cheaper.

Environmental groups say that, without tougher environmental legislation, it will be very difficult for the government to attain any success in its fight against polythene.

Mr Siraj said the government would propose a bill in the next session of the parliament to ban the production of polythene bags.

He warned the measure could take some time as they had to think of alternative employment for nearly 18,000 workers now employed in the industry.