Bangladesh Agricultural University (Bau) will ban the use of single-use plastic water bottles at all campus eateries from 1 August, following growing concerns over the potential health risks associated with their repeated reuse.

The decision was announced on Wednesday (28 July) by Vice-Chancellor Professor AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, who said the measure was taken in response to the growing threat of microplastic contamination.

“Considering the alarming situation surrounding microplastics, the use of plastic water bottles will be completely prohibited at Bau from 1 August,” he said.

A recent visit to several campus restaurants, including Milon Hotel, Jabbar Hotel and the TSC cafeteria, found that disposable plastic bottles are routinely refilled and used to serve drinking water to students. Many of the bottles remain in use for several days before being replaced.

Researchers and public health experts have warned that repeatedly reusing single-use plastic bottles, particularly when they are exposed to heat, may increase the release of microplastics, nanoplastics and other chemical substances into drinking water.

Milon, owner of Milon Hotel, said the restaurant had already purchased around Tk5,000 worth of drinking glasses. However, he said many students are reluctant to drink from glasses previously used by others, even after they have been washed. He added that students are often unwilling to wait for clean glasses, leaving restaurants with little choice but to continue using plastic bottles.

Huzaifa, a resident of Maulana Bhashani Hall, said he had never paid much attention to the issue despite drinking water from reused bottles every day.

“After learning about the research findings, I have become concerned. There should be a safer way to serve drinking water on campus,” he said.

Under the new policy, which takes effect on 1 August, all campus eateries will be required to adopt safer alternatives for serving drinking water to students.