Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday described Dhaka’s repeated ranking among the world’s two most polluted cities as a matter of national shame, urging everyone to take responsibility for improving the situation.
“Dhaka has been ranking first or second among the world’s most polluted cities for many years. This is a matter of shame for the country,” he said, calling for collective action to reverse the situation.
The prime minister made the remarks at a meeting to review the progress and implementation of activities under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, held at the ministry’s conference room.
“Everyone must come forward from their respective positions to protect the country’s environment and build a liveable Bangladesh for future generations,” he said.
The Prime Minister called for greater public awareness about environmental and forest conservation and urged government officials to take initiatives beyond their assigned responsibilities.
The meeting decided to identify and preserve the country’s mother trees within the next six months.
The prime minister also directed officials to ensure regular maintenance of planted trees, deploy personnel to monitor whether saplings survive and identify ways to expand afforestation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
“People have limited places where they can spend time close to nature. Such spaces must be increased. People should also be encouraged to develop rooftop gardens, school gardens and gardens in various buildings,” he said.
Tarique stressed that government initiatives alone would not be enough to protect the environment, saying greater public awareness would make conservation efforts easier.
He also called for separate public awareness plans to support the implementation of environmental and forest conservation decisions and programmes.
Addressing ministry officials, the Prime Minister urged them to contribute more than their routine duties required.
“You have the capacity to do a little more than what your duty requires,” he said.
He reminded officials that not everyone gets an opportunity to serve the country and that those holding responsible positions should make the most of it.
He said officials should not limit themselves to fulfilling their assigned responsibilities but should strive to do more for the people.
“Allah Almighty has given us an opportunity to do something for this country and its people. You may work from nine to five, and nobody will question you if you do nothing afterwards. But if the environment deteriorates, future generations will suffer because your next generation will also live in this country,” he said.
The prime minister emphasised that everyone must make additional efforts beyond their official duties to protect the environment and use their abilities to bring about change.
Referring to a plan to plant 25 crore trees, he said proper implementation would benefit people across the country.
He expressed confidence that collective efforts could bring meaningful improvements for the people.
The meeting also decided that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change would take steps to cover any shortfall if other ministries failed to meet their tree plantation targets.
It further stressed the need to ensure regular maintenance and monitoring of planted trees.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Saimum Parvez, Acting Secretary Fahmida Khanam and other senior officials attended the meeting.
