Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) observed its monthly ‘Cleaning Day’ on Saturday across all 75 wards, alongside a distinctive ‘waste rally’ at Shahbagh to raise public awareness against waterlogging and environmental pollution.
The rally was inaugurated by DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam, who stressed that citizen awareness and behavioural change are essential to rescue Dhaka from being one of the world’s most polluted cities, said a press release.
He noted that dustbins are being reinstalled on government orders, leaving no excuse for littering, and called on business owners to place bins outside their premises.
Abdus Salam also urged citizens not to throw any waste into drains, warning that a single polythene or mattress can block an entire drainage system.
A special ‘crash programme’ for mosquito control and waste management now runs on the first Saturday of each month, covering cleaning of dirty areas and blocked drains.
Abdus Salam called for mass tree planting to cut carbon dioxide and meet oxygen demand, praised volunteers of Biddyananda Foundation, and appealed to citizens, media and social organisations to work together for a clean, liveable Dhaka.
The rally later toured main roads, with participants distributing leaflets on waterlogging, waste disposal and plastic pollution. Special guest DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Khoybar Rahman, along with Bidyanondo Foundation Executive Director Md Jamal Uddin, environmental activists, students, volunteers, officials and media representatives, attended the event.
