PM urges people to help keep Bangladesh clean

"If we do not keep our own homes and our own country clean, no one from outside will come and clean it for us," he said after inaugurating a tree plantation programme on the banks of the Sarikal-Batajor canal in Gournadi upazila of Barishal.

The Prime Minister called on people to stop throwing plastic bottles, packets, tissues and other waste indiscriminately, warning that such habits are damaging the environment and putting future generations at risk.

"I request the people of the whole country—let us make sure we do not throw garbage wherever we like. Whether it is an empty water bottle, a plastic packet or any used item, we should dispose of it in the proper place," he said.

Tarique Rahman said environmental degradation caused by careless waste disposal will ultimately affect the country's children and future generations.

"If you finish drinking water, don't throw the empty bottle on the road. If you no longer need a plastic bag or any packaging, don't leave it lying around. Such habits damage our environment, and ultimately we and our children suffer the consequences," he said.

"We often admire the clean streets and beautiful surroundings we see in other countries. If we want Bangladesh to be equally beautiful, every one of us must play our part," the Prime Minister said.

Drawing attention to the importance of personal responsibility, he shared his own habit of carrying used tissues in his pocket until he finds a dustbin, saying he had developed the habit from childhood. "Throughout the day, I keep used tissues in my pocket. When I return home at night, I throw them into a dustbin. I have gradually built this habit, and everyone can do the same."

Tarique Rahman expressed hope that if people adopted such small but responsible practices, Bangladesh will become cleaner and more attractive.

"If we all develop this habit, we can build a clean and beautiful country. Not only will Bangladeshis appreciate it, but visitors from abroad will also say Bangladesh is a clean and well-maintained country," he said.

"A few people alone cannot keep the country clean while everyone else continues to litter. We all have to work together. Waste must be thrown only in designated places," the Prime Minister added.

Pointing to two plastic bottles floating in the nearby canal, he said keeping the country clean requires everyone's participation, reports UNB.

"If one person cleans a house all day but five or six others keep making it dirty, can that house remain clean? The country is just like our home. A few people alone cannot keep it clean if everyone else continues to litter," Tarique Rahman said.

Referring to markets, roadsides and public places often covered with garbage, he said no one likes to see dirty surroundings. "When you travel by bus to Barishal town or Dhaka, you often see markets and roadsides filled with rubbish. Nobody likes to see garbage everywhere.”

The Prime Minister said littering not only spoils the country's appearance but also harms the environment.

"So, let us take care of our country. We must take care of our country ourselves because it is our shared home. A clean Bangladesh depends on the awareness and responsibility of all of us," he said.