BARISHAL, July 13 (UNB): Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged people to take responsibility for keeping their neighbourhoods, canals and public spaces clean, saying that environmental protection cannot be left to the government alone.
"We must protect our own environment. If we do not keep our homes, neighbourhoods and country clean, we ourselves will suffer," he said before inaugurating a tree planting programme along the Sagardi Canal near Trish Godown Memorial area in Barishal city.
The Prime Minister said everyone should play a role in preserving the environment by properly disposing of waste and caring for trees and water bodies.
"Protecting the environment is not the responsibility of the government or the City Corporation alone. We all have to come forward," he said.
Addressing local residents before planting a coconut sapling along Sagardi Canal, Tarique Rahman said around 350 saplings are being planted on both sides of the canal and urged the local community to ensure their proper care.
"Planting the saplings is not the end of our responsibility. The people living beside this canal and everyone who planted these trees today must take care of them," he said.
The Prime Minister said preserving Sagardi Canal was equally important and stressed that its maintenance should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the City Corporation.
Pointing to plastic bottles, polythene bags, tissue paper and other waste floating in the canal, Tarique urged residents not to throw litter into the water.
Tarique also requested the Barishal City Corporation to install more dustbins in parks and other public places where people gather so that visitors can dispose of waste properly.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to wastewater pipes discharging directly into the canal and urged the City Corporation to improve the drainage system.
"It is better not to allow sewage or wastewater connections to flow directly into the canal because that pollutes the environment," he said.
He said there is little point in admiring the cleanliness of other countries if Bangladeshis fail to protect their own surroundings.
"We often admire the beauty of other countries, but we must first take care of our own country," the Prime Minister said.
He said Bangladesh has repeatedly demonstrated that people can achieve great things when they work together.
Tarique recalled that people from all walks of life united during the Liberation War and also came together to remove authoritarian rule during mass uprising in 2024.
"When we stand shoulder to shoulder for the good of the country and its people, everyone benefits," he said.
"Let us pledge today that each of us will do our part to keep the areas around our homes, schools, colleges, hospitals, offices and neighbourhoods clean and protect the environment. Let this be our commitment and our promise," he said.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan, BNP Chairperson's Advisers Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Masud Ahmed Talukdar, Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Jahan Shirin and other leaders also planted saplings along the canal.
BSS adds: Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated another tree planting programme on the bank of the Sarikal-Batajor Canal in Gournadi upazila.
In another programme in Batajor of Gournadi upazila, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged views with women Family Card holders.
He said that as long as the BNP enjoys the support of the people and the people stand by it, the government will let no obstacle stand in the way of rebuilding the country.
Describing people as the source of all political power of BNP, he said, "We want to rebuild this country. We want to move this country forward. With the people by our side, we will, Insha'Allah, take the country forward."
At the outset, Tarique Rahman asked several women present at the programme, "Have you received a Family Card? How has this card benefited you?"
At that time, Parul Akhtar, a Family Card beneficiary, came onto the stage and said, "Receiving this card has helped me a great deal. It has eased the financial hardship of my family.
