Most people are now using nylon bags, net bags and bags made from cement bags as a substitute for polythene bags, but these are not biodegradable and cause blockage of the drainage system, they said.

When burnt, these bags also emit hazardous fumes as polythene.

The Polythene Bag Protirodh Samannaya Committee organised the press conference on 'One year of ban on polythene: Success, obstacles and recommendations'.

It presented a survey report which reveals that 24 per cent people are still using banned polythene bags although they are aware of its harmful effects.

Polythene bags are being used mainly because of high price and less availability of alternative bags and lax law, said Amit Ranjan Dey, member secretary of the committee.

The committee conducted the nation-wide survey in association with the Work for a Better Bangladesh, a sister organisation of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA).

The survey was conducted on 1664 people. In addition, 75 people were interviewed and 200 others were monitored.

Prof. Khandakar Bazlul Haque, convenor of the committee, said that nowadays polythene is being used in various ways. Rice, pulses, oil, salt and other essentials are now sold in polythene packets.

Increasing use of polythene as packaging materials would also create environmental hazards, he added.

Abu Naser Khan, general secretary of BAPA, urged the government to ban plastic plates, glasses and bottles which are one-time useable.

The committee leaders also called for massive awareness campaign to curb use of bags and other products which are hazardous to environment.