Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the youth of Bangladesh to spearhead efforts in creating a cleaner and healthier nation, emphasizing that immediate action is necessary to ensure a better environment for future generations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, while visiting Mirpur Bangla College in the capital, the Prime Minister addressed students, members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), and Scouts. He urged them to not only participate in organized cleanliness campaigns but also to take personal initiatives in maintaining their surroundings.
Rahman highlighted the challenges posed by the dense population, particularly in Dhaka, and stressed the importance of collective efforts in keeping the city clean. He linked public health directly to cleanliness, stating that maintaining a hygienic environment is crucial to preventing diseases, given the limited medical resources available.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of preventing dengue by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and maintaining clean environments. He mentioned that the government is prioritizing cleanliness drives every Saturday until November as part of its dengue prevention strategy.
He urged the public to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, which pollutes the environment and fosters mosquito breeding. Addressing the BNCC and Scouts, Rahman encouraged them to raise awareness about proper waste disposal and to help others understand its importance.
Expressing his concern over air pollution, Rahman cited Dhaka's frequent ranking among the world's most polluted cities, calling for more tree-planting initiatives to improve air quality. He recalled a successful tree-planting program in 2004-2005, and encouraged students to surpass those efforts.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the history of 'Neem' trees on Saudi Arabia's Arafat plain, a project initiated by his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, following advice from Bangladeshi scientists.
Using Japan as an example, Rahman praised its cleanliness and attributed it to both effective cleaning systems and public habits. He called for the protection of Bangladesh's rivers and water bodies from pollution and urged people to refrain from discarding waste in the environment.
The event was attended by State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam and Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, among others.