Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon school students to develop the habit of planting trees around their homes, educational institutions, and even the homes of their relatives to protect the environment. He made this call when students of Sunnydale School, an English-medium school in the capital, met him at the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban this afternoon, according to Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla (Sujon Mahmud).
Highlighting the government's plan for environmental protection, the Prime Minister told the students, 'We have taken an initiative to plant 25 crore trees across the country to make the environment beautiful and green. You should also take part in this initiative. To protect the environment, you have to develop the habit of planting trees around your homes, educational institutions and even the homes of your relatives.'
'You can gift trees to one another on any special occasion, such as your birthday or another special day. We need to develop a culture of gifting trees,' he said. Tarique Rahman also advised the students to do small good deeds that can contribute to positive changes in the country.
He also asked the students to play an active role in protecting the environment, ensuring cleanliness, and preventing dengue. Sujon Mahmud said the students of the Sunnydale School visited parliament as part of an initiative to familiarize students with parliamentary proceedings and give them an opportunity to observe a session of the Jatiya Sangsad.
During the meeting, Tarique Rahman enquired about their studies, health, and various other matters. He also discussed with them their responsibilities in protecting the environment, maintaining cleanliness, promoting public health, and tackling the spread of dengue. Citing the example of clean environments abroad, the Prime Minister said, 'Those among you who have traveled abroad must have seen how clean the environment there is. We also have to keep our country clean.'
'You should help prevent people from throwing waste here and there. If you see any of your friends or relatives making the environment dirty or throwing garbage on the streets, tell them not to do so,' he added. Recalling his experience of living in London, Tarique Rahman said, 'The people themselves keep the environment clean there. If we keep our own homes and surroundings clean, it is possible to keep the entire country clean. Change must begin at home.'
Urging the students to take preventive measures against dengue outbreak in advance, he said, 'The risk of dengue remains higher for the three months from September. So, we have to take preventive measures beforehand. You have to keep your homes and surroundings clean and make sure that water does not accumulate anywhere.' Addressing the students, the Prime Minister said, 'We will do some small things that will contribute to positive changes in society and the country. You will also take part in these activities and help build a beautiful country.'
Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Sujon said the students expressed their excitement at meeting the Prime Minister and pledged to respond to his call for positive changes and to help build a clean and green Bangladesh. As part of efforts to encourage young people to become future leaders, students are being given opportunities to observe parliamentary proceedings and gain an understanding of the activities of the Jatiya Sangsad. As part of the initiative, 124 students of Sunnydale School visited the parliament today, accompanied by 14 teachers.
