PM calls on countrymen to end littering, build cleaner future

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on citizens across the country to take collective responsibility for keeping the country clean, livable and environmentally sustainable, stressing that individual awareness is key to building a healthier future for the next generation.

In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday morning (August 3), the prime minister said environmental cleanliness is not the responsibility of any single group or profession, but a shared national obligation.

He noted that littering—including discarded plastic bottles, snack packets, used tissues and other waste—has become increasingly common in cities, towns and rural areas compared with previous decades.

"The steps we take today to protect our environment will shape a healthier and more beautiful Bangladesh for future generations," he said.

The prime minister warned that unmanaged waste on roads, markets and public spaces not only disrupts daily life but also poses growing risks to public health and the environment. He urged citizens to develop the habit of disposing of waste only in designated locations.

Drawing a comparison between personal and public spaces, the prime minister said people naturally keep their homes clean and should treat the country's surroundings with the same level of care.

"Our environment is our shared home. Keeping it clean is a responsibility we all share," he said.

Reflecting on his recent visits across the country, Tarique Rahman said he had witnessed piles of waste in and around ponds and other water bodies that were once popular gathering places for local communities. He stressed the importance of protecting such public spaces from pollution.

While acknowledging the efforts of municipal sanitation workers, the prime minister said those efforts are often undermined by irresponsible public behaviour, making greater civic awareness essential.

He concluded by urging every citizen to play an active role in safeguarding the environment, saying that responsible waste disposal and public participation are fundamental to creating a cleaner, healthier and more livable Bangladesh.