Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed authorities to engage retired officials and senior citizens in cleanliness initiatives across Dhaka to promote a clean and green environment. This move aims to utilize their expertise for the benefit of public welfare.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the announcement was made by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) State Minister Mir Shahe Alam during a press briefing at the Karabi Hall at the Prime Minister's Office. Tarique Rahman had earlier presided over a review meeting on Dhaka's cleanliness activities, expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far.
The government has launched several initiatives to enhance cleanliness in Dhaka and other metropolitan cities, with various ministries and agencies working in collaboration through committees that started on October 27. A significant proposal adopted involves the incorporation of senior citizens and retired officials in neighborhood-level cleanliness efforts. Approximately 39,000 retired government officials reside in Dhaka, and they are seen as valuable resources for public welfare initiatives.
The Prime Minister has directed the formation of neighborhood committees where retired officials will serve as advisors or hold responsible positions, working alongside young volunteers. These teams will conduct awareness campaigns focusing on dengue prevention, waste management, and infrastructure improvements. The initiative is part of the Prime Minister's vision of 'Clean Dhaka, Green Dhaka.'
To ensure effective monitoring, the Prime Minister's Office has formed committees around the 20 regional offices of the city corporations, under the leadership of directors from the Prime Minister's Office. These committees have visited numerous educational institutions, hospitals, residential areas, and public spaces to assess cleanliness and promote awareness.
In response to the inadequate number of secondary transfer stations (STSs) for household waste in Dhaka, the Prime Minister has instructed authorities to explore environmentally friendly solutions, such as underground facilities. Additionally, the recruitment of cleaning workers is being expedited, with 2,000 new hires for Dhaka South City Corporation and 1,500 for Dhaka North City Corporation.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and other officials were present at the briefing, highlighting the government's ongoing commitment to improving urban cleanliness in Dhaka.