Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged citizens to become more aware and responsible in protecting the environment, saying keeping the country clean and livable requires collective efforts.
In a special video message to the nation on Monday, the prime minister said the government alone cannot ensure environmental protection and that every citizen has a role to play.
"The country belongs to all of us. If we all try a little bit together, we will be able to do something big. That is all I ask of you today," he said.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh's environment has changed significantly over the past 30 to 40 years. Plastic bottles, chip packets, tissues and other waste are now commonly seen on roads, markets and public places from Dhaka to rural areas.
"If there were such tissues or garbage scattered around your house, would you like it? Of course not. Why can't we make our environment beautiful?" he said.
The prime minister said millions of people travel daily by foot, rickshaw and bus, and waste scattered on roads creates unpleasant conditions while increasing pollution.
He also expressed concern over pollution in ponds, canals and other water bodies, saying many places that were once used for recreation have become polluted with piles of garbage.
"Recently, I have seen piles of garbage on the banks and inside many ponds while visiting different areas of the country. However, these ponds were once one of the places where people spent their leisure time. Today, that environment is no longer there due to the garbage," he said.
He urged people not to throw chip packets, wrappers or other waste in parks, entertainment centres and tourist destinations.
The prime minister said small individual actions could create a major positive impact and help build a cleaner environment for future generations.
FP/R
