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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on all citizens to become more responsible and environmentally conscious, saying protecting the country’s environment is a shared responsibility.
“The country belongs to all of us, and it is our collective duty to protect the environment,” the prime minister said in a special video message to the nation on Monday.
He stressed that the government alone cannot ensure a clean and liveable country without the active participation of every citizen.
“Even a small change in our daily behaviour can help ensure a healthier and more beautiful environment for future generations,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said he wanted to briefly address an issue that affects people from all walks of life—the environment.
He noted that Bangladesh’s environmental condition has changed significantly over the past 30 to 40 years. Today, plastic bottles, snack packets, used tissues and other waste are commonly seen scattered along roads, markets and public places, from Dhaka to rural areas, posing a serious threat to the environment.
“If your own home were littered with tissues and garbage, would you like it? Certainly not. Then why can’t we keep our surroundings clean?” he asked.
The prime minister said most people travel on foot, by rickshaw or by bus every day, and indiscriminate dumping of waste not only creates unpleasant conditions but also contributes to severe environmental pollution.
Expressing concern over pollution in ponds, canals and other water bodies, he said he had recently visited several parts of the country and found many ponds filled with garbage.
“These ponds were once places where people gathered and spent their leisure time. Today, many of them have lost that beauty because of waste,” he said.
He also urged visitors to parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations not to litter by throwing away snack packets, candy wrappers or peanut shells.
“The country belongs to all of us. If each of us makes a small effort, together we can achieve something significant. That is the cooperation I seek from everyone,” the prime minister said.
