Volunteer organisation “Clean Bangladesh” launched a new ward-based public awareness campaign on Friday (2 May), aimed at building a cleaner and waterlogging-free Chattogram.
The initiative seeks to engage citizens in preventing urban waterlogging and enhancing environmental protection through increased civic awareness and participation.
The campaign was formally inaugurated in the Muradpur area of Ward No 7 while Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain attended the event as the chief guest, according to a press release issued by the platform.
In his inaugural address, Mayor Shahadat Hossain emphasised that maintaining a clean city is not solely the responsibility of the city corporation but a collective moral duty of every citizen. “The enthusiasm and dedication shown by Clean Bangladesh in this effort are truly commendable,” he added.
Shawkat Hossain Jony, the founder and president of Clean Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of public participation in the success of the campaign.
“A clean city cannot be imagined without active citizen involvement. We plan to implement various activities at the ward level, including public announcements via loudspeakers, leaflet distribution, banner installations, message dissemination through religious institutions, targeted garbage removal, and the installation of dustbins,” he stated.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Clean Bangladesh team leaders Imon, Promi, Tanzifa, Jahid, and Laila, along with co-team leaders Jewel, Yaj, Rony, and Payel. Over a hundred volunteers, including Saru, Muntasir, Nazifa, Israt, Drubo, Rafi, Sayed, Maimuna, Simon, and Ayman, are actively participating in the effort.
Imon, the general secretary of the platform, stressed that a clean city is not just a desire but a shared responsibility. “This goal cannot be achieved without awareness and active participation from citizens. We hope the residents of Chattogram will join us and move forward together,” he said.
Clean Bangladesh has already undertaken several initiatives in Chattogram to raise public awareness about environmental and cleanliness issues. The organisation considers this partnership with city authorities as a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to improve the city’s environment.