Anti polythene act in Bangladesh: A symbolic policy that changes nothing

What happens during the implementation process? Why there exist gaps between policy goal and policy implementation? This article, based on an empirical study, states that a ban on production and use of polythene bag was imposed in Bangladesh as a response to the rising environmental concerns and conventions, and the environmental NGOs played a major role in the policy formulation. Unfortunately, the ban has not been as successful as conceived; the bureaucratic and political resources are lacking in the process. The managerial, technical and financial resources of the implementing agencies are far from adequate to carry out the ban effectively throughout the country. Moreover, attesting to the government's lack of awareness raising programme, failure to provide convenient, cheap alternative bags result in lack of participation from the concerned stakeholders. This paper examines and explains the rationale and implementation status of “Ban on use and production of Polythene Bags Act, 2002” in Bangladesh. It also presents results of a survey undertaken to assess various issues involved.