Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government, has urged all citizens to stop using single-use plastic products.

“Plastic is a poison for the environment. It is toxic not just for humans, but for all living beings on Earth. Since its effects unfold gradually, we tend not to take it seriously. As the global population grows—including in Bangladesh—the amount of plastic pollution per person is also increasing. Therefore, to rid ourselves of this toxic threat, everyone must take responsibility,” he said.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (June 25) while addressing the inaugural ceremony of World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2025, as well as the National Tree Plantation Campaign and National Tree Fair 2025, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Dhaka.

“Reducing plastic pollution begins with eliminating its use,” he said. “The world will not come to a halt if plastic production is stopped. We must break free from the self-destructive mindset of harming the environment for economic gain. To save lives, we must save the environment—there is no alternative.”

Yunus further stated that the use of plastic is contributing to the destruction of the climate, nature, and biodiversity. “To escape this crisis, we must make changes to our daily lifestyle,” he added.