Prime Minister Tareq Rahman on Sunday called on all to play a responsible role from their respective positions to leave pollution-free rivers and a clean, liveable environment for future generations.
He made the call at a review meeting held at the Bangladesh Secretariat on pollution control, waste removal, conservation and management of rivers surrounding Dhaka, ensuring navigability and developing the circular waterway around the capital.
The meeting reviewed the overall activities to control pollution and remove waste from the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, Balu and Shitalakkhya rivers and adjoining canals and drains.
It also reviewed measures to ensure the navigability of the rivers, maintain their natural flow and develop the existing circular waterway around Dhaka.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to take effective steps to implement the plans already undertaken without delay.
He also laid emphasis on ensuring proper coordination among the relevant ministries, divisions and agencies to expedite the implementation of the programmes.
The Prime Minister said efforts must be made to leave pollution-free rivers and a liveable environment not only for the present generation but also for the generations to come.
He said people should not wait only for government directives, but should also discharge their responsibilities from a sense of personal responsibility.
The meeting was attended by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Industries and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Planning Jonayed Saki, State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Dr Saimum Parvez, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Commander of Dhaka Naval Area Rear Admiral Abdullah-Al-Maksus.
Secretaries of the relevant ministries and divisions, administrators of Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur city corporations and other senior officials were also present.