The government in Bangladesh is banning the production and marketing of polythene in an effort to combat pollution. The Environment Minister, Shahjahan Siraj, says the cabinet voted unanimously for the ban, which starts at the beginning of the new year. The government will also launch a campaign promoting the use of paper and jute bags. Previous governments have tried to ban polythene under pressure from environmental activists and residents. But, businesses put up strong opposition. The Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers Association is appealing against the decision. It's questioning why tobacco factories aren't banned when smoking is a health and environmental hazard. According to government figures, around four thousand people are employed in plastic bag factories in Bangladesh.