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State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain has called for proper recognition of the work of sanitation workers and urged city residents to keep their own surroundings clean to help build a cleaner city.
He made the remarks on Saturday while taking part in a Cleaning Day and tree-planting programme titled *“Keep Your Own Yard Clean, Build a Clean City”* in Ward 37 under Zone-4 of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
The programme is held on the first and second Saturdays of every month. Ishraque joined sanitation workers and local residents in cleaning drains and surrounding areas and spraying disinfectants.
Emphasising the importance of properly valuing sanitation workers’ contributions, Ishraque said city residents should remain grateful to them.
“Without the work they do, it would be difficult for people to live in the city,” he said, adding that sanitation workers often receive relatively low wages and limited facilities despite working long hours.
Addressing the sanitation workers, the state minister said, “I may not be able to give you much at this moment. But I always carry your hardship and labour in my heart. I will try to see what can be done for you in the future.”
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had launched cleanliness, dengue-prevention and tree-planting programmes and instructed people to implement similar initiatives in their respective areas. The Ward 37 programme was being organised as part of that effort, he added.
Recalling his father, Ishraque said he had been a hardworking man and had a special regard for people engaged in keeping the city clean. He said he shared the same respect and appreciation for sanitation workers.
Speaking about their housing and living conditions, Ishraque said he had visited several sanitation workers’ colonies and attended various programmes there. However, he said their work had not received proper recognition and that the government, state and society had historically failed to provide them with adequate living conditions.
“This must certainly change. It is for this change that, following a mass uprising, we have been entrusted with running the state by an elected government,” he said.
Ishraque said he was involved in politics to work for people and improve their lives. His goal, he said, was to build a society where people of all classes and professions, regardless of religion or economic status, could live with equal dignity.
Referring to his new responsibilities as an MP and state minister, he said mistakes could occur while carrying out official duties, but he would work to overcome them and provide proper service to the people.
Ward 37 BNP President and General Secretary and Dhaka South Metropolitan Sramik Dal Convener Suman Bhuiyan were among those present at the programme.