Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized that maintaining a clean and neat Bangladesh is a shared civic responsibility, highlighting that even small individual efforts can contribute to ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page this morning, Rahman urged citizens to collaborate in keeping the country clean and beautiful, a move he believes will secure a healthy environment for the coming generations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister noted that environmental cleanliness is a concern for people from all walks of life. He pointed out the alarming increase in public littering compared to 30 or 40 years ago, with plastic bottles, chips packets, and other waste items being discarded in public areas across cities, districts, upazilas, and even villages.
Emphasizing the importance of proper waste disposal, Rahman highlighted the challenges faced by pedestrians and bus travelers due to garbage accumulation on roads, which results in foul odors from piled-up waste. He appealed to the public to be more cautious, suggesting that if waste is discarded in designated areas and disposed of properly, it would help maintain a pleasant environment.
Drawing a parallel with household cleanliness, the Prime Minister asked citizens to consider whether they would like their homes surrounded by scattered garbage, reinforcing that no one would prefer such a scenario. Citing a line from a poem that describes Bangladesh as "green and fertile," he questioned why the environment cannot be kept beautiful.
Rahman shared observations from his recent visits to various parts of the country, where he witnessed piles of garbage in and around ponds, places that were once popular family spots. He remarked that while areas are cleaned temporarily for visits, they quickly become dirty again, undermining efforts to maintain cleanliness.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for increased public awareness, encouraging citizens to dispose of waste at designated sites to gradually make Bangladesh litter-free and build a beautiful environment. He reiterated that the country belongs to all, and collective efforts, even small ones, can lead to significant achievements. Rahman concluded his message by appealing to his fellow countrymen for their cooperation in this endeavor.