Speakers at a seminar yesterday urged all to avoid using products made of polythene and plastic as those are harmful to environment.

The Directorate of Environment (DoE), Chittagong organised the event at its office marking World Environment Day, to be observed on June 5. Officials of non-government organisations and owners of recycling factories participated in it.

Makbul Hossen, director of DoE (Chittagong region), said it is not possible to stop the use of polythene overnight.

“In some cases, we fail to stop the usage of plastic and polythene due to a lack of manpower and logistics,” he said. “We're trying to overcome those hurdles.”

Azadur Rahman Mollik, director of DoE (metropolitan), said many factories are producing polythene. “In spite of our limitations, we launch drives against those upon information.”

He underscored the need for spreading awareness among people and suggested using alternatives such as jute-made products.

Bodrul Huda, assistant director of DoE, Chittagong, and Tahajjut Khondokar, assistant director (accounts), also spoke.