Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said jute bags would be provided to the public as an alternative to polythene shopping bags under a government initiative that includes subsidised distribution.

"A project has already been undertaken in this regard and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute will collaborate to implement it," she said at a seminar and cleanliness campaign, held at the Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University.

She said a campaign will be launched to raise awareness about the use of jute bags.

"New entrepreneurs will also be developed around jute bag production," she added, stressing that institutions like JDPC, SME Foundation and Joyeeta Foundation will be engaged to ensure a sustainable system.

Rizwana said everyone must work together to tackle plastic pollution.

"We ourselves must stop the use of unnecessary plastics," she noted, adding that the perception that there are no alternatives to plastic is incorrect.

Government initiatives cannot be implemented overnight, but they will be executed gradually, she assured.

DU Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan presided over the seminar.

Rizwana also called upon the Dhaka University to declare its campus free from single-use plastics and noise pollution.