Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on citizens to be more responsible and environmentally conscious, saying that building a clean, livable and eco-friendly Bangladesh requires the collective participation of all.

In a special video message to the nation on Monday, the prime minister said protecting the environment is not solely the government’s responsibility but a shared duty of every citizen.

He noted that Bangladesh’s environment has changed significantly over the past three to four decades, with plastic bottles, snack wrappers, tissues and other waste now commonly littering roads, marketplaces and public spaces from Dhaka to rural areas.

The prime minister said just as people want their homes to remain clean, the country’s environment also deserves the same care and attention. He stressed that keeping public spaces clean is a civic responsibility.

He also pointed out that scattered waste on roads not only causes inconvenience for pedestrians and commuters but also accelerates environmental pollution.

Expressing concern over pollution in ponds, canals and other water bodies, Tarique Rahman said he had recently observed piles of garbage in and around ponds during visits to different areas. He noted that many of these places were once popular recreational spots but have deteriorated due to improper waste disposal.

The prime minister urged people not to throw litter such as food wrappers, candy packets and peanut shells indiscriminately while visiting parks, tourist destinations and recreational areas.

Concluding his message, he said that even small acts of awareness and responsibility by individuals can help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations, and sought the cooperation of all citizens in achieving that goal