Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday sought people’s cooperation in keeping Bangladesh clean and protecting the environment, urging everyone to refrain from littering and dispose of waste responsibly to help build a cleaner and better more liveable country for future generations.

In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page, the prime minister said protecting the environment is not solely the government’s responsibility but a shared duty of every citizen.

“If each of us becomes more conscious from today and disposes of our waste in designated places properly instead of throwing it indiscriminately, we can gradually make Bangladesh free of waste and build a beautiful environment,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh belongs to all its people and stressed that if everyone makes even a small contribution, the country would be able to achieve significant progress together.

“I seek your cooperation. Let us all work together to keep our country clean and beautiful. Let each of us do our part to protect and preserve a clean environment that will ensure a healthier, more liveable country for future generations,” Tarique said.

He said environmental cleanliness is an issue that touches people from all walks of life, as everyone is affected by the condition of their surroundings.

The prime minister noted that litter has become a common sight in cities, towns and even many villages, particularly in busy public places, unlike the situation three or four decades ago.

He also mentioned used tissues, snack packets, plastic bottles, cooking oil containers and other discarded items as examples of waste that are often thrown indiscriminately along roadsides, around markets and in residential areas.

Tarique Rahman urged people to imagine how unpleasant it would be if their own homes were left scattered with rubbish in the same way.

Quoting a well-known line about Bangladesh’s natural beauty, he said there is no reason why the country’s surroundings cannot be kept clean and attractive through public awareness and responsible behaviour.

The prime minister said most people in Bangladesh travel on foot, by rickshaw or by bus, and piles of waste and foul smells create unnecessary hardship for them.

He said proper disposal of waste at designated places would not only improve the environment but also make public spaces cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone.

Referring to his recent visits across the country, Tarique Rahman said he had seen ponds filled with rubbish or waste dumped along their banks, although such places were once used by families and neighbours as gathering spots.

He also pointed to parks in Dhaka and other districts, saying that while cleaners often keep them tidy, many visitors leave behind food wrappers and other waste after spending time there.

The prime minister also expressed concern that many recreational areas have lost their appeal because of indiscriminate dumping of waste

“If we leave a place clean after using it, those who come after us will also be able to enjoy a clean and pleasant environment,” he said.

Tarique called upon the country’s people to develop the habit of placing waste in designated bins or collection points and disposing of it properly.