Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Wednesday underscored the need for recycling the plastic wastes to reduce its adverse impacts on the environment.

"The use of plastic products is increasing day by day. Plastic wastes are also increasing which is harmful to our environment. We'll have to put emphasis on recycling such wastes," he said.

The minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the four-day '15th International Plastic Fair 2023' held at Bashundhara International Convention Center (BICC) in the capital, said a press release.

State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu and Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary Md Monsurul Alam attended the function as special guests while President of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) Shamim Ahmed presided over the function.

Mentioning that the use of plastic items in daily life is very significant, Humayun stated plastic is being used in almost every item like toothbrush to packaging for life saving drugs.

"The plastic industry in Bangladesh has been playing an important role as a linkage industry. It is contributing towards earning foreign currency and economic growth," he added.

The industries minister called upon the industrialists and businessmen of this sector to invent new products and thus market those through product diversification to keep pace with the changing market demand.

In his speech, Titu called upon businessmen of the plastic sector to produce products combining jute and plastic using modern technology.