‘August 5 a testimony to what young generation can achieve’, says PM
PM Tarique Rahman speaks on Saturday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament House while inaugurating a nationwide dengue prevention and cleanliness drive. Photo: PMO
The Prime Minister has sought everyone’s cooperation in the development of the country and the reconstruction of the state. In particular, she called for the support of young people, whom she sees as the key agents of change.
Speaking at the inauguration of a nationwide three-month dengue prevention and cleanliness campaign at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building on Saturday morning, the Prime Minister said, “If the young generation of a country wants to change the country, it is possible. Our young generation showed the whole world on August 5, 2024, that they can bring about change. It was the young generation that initiated the change from there.”
“So my appeal to them is: let us now rebuild the state and the country. Over the next three months, let us try to solve our dengue problem. We may not be able to achieve 100 percent, but at least we can achieve 80 percent.”
At the event, the Prime Minister said, “As far as I know, Bangladesh Scouts has around 2.3 million members, while the number of BNCC members is 22,000. In addition, apart from primary schools and madrasas, there are around 15 million students in high schools, madrasas, colleges and universities across the country. And there are 25 million students in primary schools and Ebtedayee madrasas.”
She said, “Besides, almost all districts are connected to this event online today. I want to ask all of you—including Girl Guides, BNCC, Scouts and volunteers—for your help. We have to build this country together. We have all gathered here today with a common goal. That goal is to build the country.”
Tarique Rahman said, “We know how dengue spreads. Scrap materials, papers and various other items are often left lying around. Plastic and earthen objects can also be found discarded in different places. Water accumulates there, creating breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito that carries dengue. Therefore, if we all work together, we can change this situation.”
The Prime Minister said, “Every one of us present in this field today drinks water, and if each of us throws something on the ground, perhaps no one will say anything. But this waste will gradually accumulate and turn into garbage. Germs and diseases will emerge from there. You or someone you love may fall ill.”
“So let us keep ourselves healthy. Let us keep our families healthy. Let us keep our communities healthy. Let us try to keep our country healthy. This is not a very difficult task.”
Tarique Rahman said, “It may be a little difficult for you today. But if we spend just one hour every week cleaning our homes, schools, colleges or institutions, we will certainly be able to bring about this change quickly.”
He said, “When we travel along roads and streets, we see many people carelessly throwing garbage wherever they want. We have to make them aware. We must discourage those who litter and those who create waste.”
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, “So there is only one message: work, work and more work. And cleanliness, cleanliness and cleanliness must be our main goal for the days ahead.”
At the inauguration ceremony, a welcome address was delivered by Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam, convener of the Committee for the Implementation of the Nationwide Dengue Prevention and Cleanliness Campaign and administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
Others who spoke at the event included Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan; Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain; Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha; Health and Family Welfare State Minister Dr. M. A. Muhit; and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.
