PM seeks students’ support to build clean, green Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (9 September) called upon students to play an active role in protecting the environment, keeping their surroundings clean and preventing dengue, saying small acts of responsibility can help bring positive changes to society and the country.

He made the call while meeting students of Sunnydale School at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban around 4:30pm during a recess in the parliamentary session.

The students visited parliament to observe its proceedings and learn about its activities as part of an initiative to familiarise young people with the country’s parliamentary system.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman asked the students about their studies, health and other matters.

He also discussed their role in protecting the environment, maintaining cleanliness, promoting public health and preventing dengue.

Highlighting the government’s plan to plant 25 crore trees, he urged them to join the initiative.

“We have taken an initiative to plant 25 crore trees to make our country greener and improve the environment. You should also take part in this initiative,” he said.

The prime minister encouraged the students to develop the habit of planting trees around their homes, schools and relatives’ houses.

“You can also give trees to one another as gifts on birthdays or other special occasions. We should develop a culture of giving trees as gifts,” he said.

Referring to the clean environment in many foreign countries, Tarique Rahman urged the students to help keep Bangladesh clean.

“Those of you who have travelled abroad have certainly seen how clean the environment is there. We also have to keep our country clean,” he said.

The prime minister asked the students to discourage their friends and relatives from littering.

“If you see any of your friends or relatives making the environment dirty or throwing waste on the streets, you should stop them,” he said.

Sharing his experience of living in London, Tarique Rahman said citizens themselves play an important role in keeping the environment clean there.

“People there keep their environment clean themselves. If we keep our homes and surroundings clean, we can keep the whole country clean. Change has to begin at home,” he said.

The prime minister also urged the students to take preventive measures against dengue, particularly during the high-risk period from September through the following three months.

“Dengue risk is higher from September for the next three months. So, we have to take preventive measures in advance. You must keep your homes and surroundings clean and make sure that water does not remain stagnant anywhere,” he said.

Tarique Rahman also encouraged the students to undertake small initiatives that could contribute to positive changes in society.

“We should do small things that can contribute to positive changes in society and the country. You should also take part in such activities and help build a beautiful country,” he said.

The students expressed enthusiasm at meeting the Prime Minister and pledged to respond to his call to help build a clean and green Bangladesh and contribute to positive change in the country.

A total of 124 students and 14 teachers from Sunnydale School visited Parliament to observe the proceedings and gain an understanding of its activities.