TDS Desk:

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on all citizens to become more responsible and environmentally conscious, saying protecting the country’s environment requires a collective effort rather than government action alone.

In a special video message to the nation on Monday (3 August), the prime minister said even small individual actions could help ensure a cleaner, healthier and more liveable Bangladesh for future generations.

“Today I want to briefly speak about an issue that affects people from all walks of life—our environment,” he said.

The prime minister noted that Bangladesh’s environment had changed significantly over the past three to four decades, with plastic bottles, food wrappers, tissues and other waste now commonly littering roads, markets and public spaces from Dhaka to rural areas.

He urged people to reflect on whether they would tolerate similar conditions in their own homes, adding that there was no reason why the country’s public spaces could not be kept clean through greater civic responsibility.

Rahman said most people travel daily on foot, by rickshaw or by bus, and are forced to endure unpleasant conditions caused by litter, while indiscriminate waste disposal continues to worsen environmental pollution.

Expressing concern over pollution in ponds, canals and other water bodies, he said he had recently seen piles of rubbish in and around ponds in different parts of the country, although such places were once popular for recreation and relaxation.

The prime minister also appealed to visitors at parks, recreational facilities and tourist destinations not to discard crisp packets, sweet wrappers, peanut shells or other litter indiscriminately.

“The country belongs to all of us. If each of us makes a small effort, together we can achieve something significant,” Rahman said, urging the public to support the government’s drive to keep Bangladesh clean and environmentally sustainable.