In a video message posted on his verified Facebook ID at 11am on Monday (August 3), the Prime Minister made this call to the countrymen.

At the beginning of his speech, after greeting the countrymen, the Prime Minister said that environment and cleanliness are matters directly related to people of every class and profession in society.

He said that currently, from Dhaka to districts, upazilas and many rural areas, various types of waste including plastic bottles, tissues and food packets can be seen scattered on roadsides, markets, pond banks and public gathering places. But a few decades ago, this situation was not so severe.

The Prime Minister said that nobody wants to see garbage around their own home. Therefore, a mentality must be developed to take care of the country's environment like one's own home.

He further said that waste accumulating on roads disrupts people's movement, spreads bad smell and increases environmental pollution. He therefore emphasized the habit of not throwing used plastic, tissues and other waste anywhere, but disposing of them in designated places.

Tareq Rahman said that parks, pond banks and public gathering places in various parts of the country are being ruined by garbage. If everyone fulfills their own responsibility by not leaving food wrappers or other waste while visiting these places, a clean environment can be maintained.

Appealing to the countrymen, the Prime Minister said that if everyone becomes a little aware from their own position, it will be possible to gradually make the country garbage-free.

He said, “The country belongs to all of us. If we all try together, then a big change can be brought.”

In the concluding part of his speech, the Prime Minister said that ensuring a clean and beautiful environment will play an important role not only for the present generation, but also in building a healthy, safe and livable Bangladesh for future generations. He sought the overall cooperation of the countrymen toward this goal.