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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday called on the people to channel the unity that brought down the autocratic regime during the July 2024 Uprising into a collective effort to build a prosperous and environmentally sustainable Bangladesh.
Addressing a tree plantation programme after inaugurating a greening campaign along the banks of the Sagardi Canal at the Trish Godown Mass Killing Ground in Barishal, the prime minister said national progress would only be possible if people from all walks of life worked together beyond political, religious and social divisions.
“Only a short time ago, regardless of religion or ethnicity, we stood together and removed autocracy from this country. Now let us all work together for the country,” he said.
Recalling the spirit of the Liberation War, Tarique Rahman said people from different political beliefs, religions and communities had united to achieve independence, and the same unity was demonstrated during the movement that overthrew the authoritarian regime.
“People from all walks of life came onto the streets together to remove autocracy. This proves that if we stand shoulder to shoulder and work for the country and its people, everyone will benefit,” he said.
The prime minister later inaugurated the tree plantation campaign by planting a coconut sapling, followed by prayers and a special munajat.
Highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, Tarique Rahman said protecting nature is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government agencies and city corporations.
“Protecting the environment is not the responsibility of the government alone, nor solely that of the city corporation. We all have to come forward. On this tree plantation day, let us pledge together to keep our country’s environment clean and protected,” he said.
He urged citizens to keep the surroundings of their homes, offices, educational institutions and hospitals clean and free from pollution.
Referring to the Sagardi Canal, the prime minister said preserving the waterway should not be left to the city corporation alone.
“The people living on both sides of the canal also have a responsibility to protect it,” he said.
Expressing concern over plastic bottles, polythene bags and other waste being dumped into the canal, he urged visitors to dispose of litter properly instead of throwing it into the water.
Addressing the Barishal City Corporation, Tarique Rahman suggested making regular public announcements encouraging visitors to use waste bins and maintain cleanliness around the canal.
He also expressed concern over wastewater being discharged directly into the canal through drainage pipes and urged the city authorities to develop proper sewerage and drainage systems that would prevent pollution of natural waterways.
“If we do not keep our own homes clean, they become dirty. Likewise, if we fail to protect our neighbourhoods, our cities and our country, we ourselves will suffer. We admire the beauty of other countries while damaging our own environment,” he said.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan, members of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Mojibur Rahman Sorowar, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Masud Ahmed Talukder, Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Jahan Shirin, and other leaders attended the programme and joined the tree plantation drive along both sides of the canal.
After the event, the prime minister went to the Barishal Circuit House for lunch and Zuhr prayers before attending the final programme of his day-long visit, an exchange of views with party leaders at the Shilpakala Academy.
