Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has commented that Dhaka’s regular appearance on the list of the world’s most polluted cities is a matter of shame for the country. He called on everyone to take responsibility from their respective positions, as well as take extra initiatives, to protect the environment and forests, thereby building a liveable Bangladesh for future generations.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on Thursday (October 15) during a meeting to review the progress and implementation of the activities of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The meeting was held in the ministry’s conference room.
In the meeting, it was decided to identify and conserve the country’s “mother trees” or important parent trees within the next six months. Additionally, the Prime Minister gave directives to ensure regular maintenance after planting trees, physically observe the survival rate of planted saplings, and find ways to increase afforestation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Expressing concern over air pollution in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman said that for many years, Dhaka has ranked first or second on the list of the world’s most polluted cities. This is a matter of shame for the country. Everyone must take responsibility from their respective positions to change this situation.
Emphasizing the importance of increasing opportunities for people to connect with nature, the Prime Minister said that there are limited spaces for people to access nature. Such spaces must be increased. Furthermore, people should be encouraged to create gardens in various buildings, including rooftop gardens and school gardens.
He stated that government initiatives alone are not enough to protect the environment; the general public must also be made aware. The more conscious people become, the easier the task of environmental protection will be. For this reason, he directed that alongside implementing decisions and plans for forest and environmental conservation, separate plans for public awareness activities should also be in place.
Addressing the ministry officials, the Prime Minister said that everyone has the capacity to do more for the country beyond their assigned duties. The opportunity to work for the country does not come to everyone’s life. Those currently in responsible positions must seize this opportunity. It is not enough to just perform assigned duties; there must be an effort to do more for the people of the country.
Tarique Rahman said, “Allah Almighty has given us the opportunity to do something for the country and its people. Government officials can certainly perform their duties from 9 AM to 5 PM. After that, no one will say anything if they don’t do anything extra. However, if the environment deteriorates, future generations will suffer. Because the next generation will also have to live in this country.”
He further added, “To maintain a good environment in the country, everyone must do a little more than their assigned duties. To bring about change, one must be proactive and utilize their capabilities.”
Referring to the plan to plant 25 crore trees, the Prime Minister said that if the plan is implemented properly, all people of the country will benefit from it. If everyone comes forward collectively, it will be possible to do something good for the welfare of the country’s people.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintu, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Saimum Parvez, Acting Secretary Fahmida Khanam, and other senior officials of the ministry.
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