PM Tarique asks for cooperation from all to create waste-free Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on people across Bangladesh to help build a cleaner, waste-free country.

In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, the prime minister urged citizens to dispose of waste responsibly.

"If, starting today, each of us becomes more conscious and places the waste we generate in designated places in an orderly manner, then gradually we will be able to make Bangladesh free of litter and build a cleaner environment," he said.

"This country belongs to all of us. If we all work together, if each of us contributes a little, we can achieve something significant. My dear fellow citizens, I am asking for your cooperation today. Let us all work together to keep our country clean and beautiful. Let us all strive to keep our environment clean, which will ensure a healthy country and a healthy environment for future generations."

The prime minister said environmental cleanliness was an issue that affected people from every profession and walk of life.

"What is that issue? It is our environment. The environment in which you and I live. What does our surrounding environment look like?"

He said people had likely noticed that litter had become increasingly common on roads and in public places across Dhaka, district towns, Upazilas and, in many cases, rural areas.

"When we were children, 30 or 40 years ago, the situation was not like this. But today it has become like this."

He said discarded tissues, snack packets, used cooking oil bottles, plastic water bottles and other waste could now be seen scattered almost everywhere.

"Think about it. If the house you live in was covered with used tissues and litter all around, would you like it? Certainly not. None of us would."

Quoting a line about Bangladesh's natural beauty, he said: "Our poets have beautifully described this land as lush and green. Why can't we make our environment beautiful as well?"

The prime minister said most people in Bangladesh travelled on foot, by rickshaw or by bus, and they often suffered because of piles of waste and the foul smell they created.

"But if all of us become a little more aware, if we stop throwing our waste indiscriminately and instead collect it in designated places before disposing of it properly, then our environment will remain clean and we will be able to preserve its beauty."

Referring to his recent visits across the country, Tarique said he had seen ponds filled with trash or surrounded by piles of waste.

"At one time, people used to sit by these ponds in the afternoon with their families and spend time together. Now that is no longer possible because of the litter."

He also referred to parks in Dhaka and other district towns, saying many people left behind food wrappers and other waste after visiting with their families.

"When we arrive, the cleaners may already have cleaned the park. But by the time we leave, it is no longer as clean as before."

"If you leave it clean after your visit, then the next person who comes will also be able to enjoy that clean and pleasant environment.”