PM Makes Surprise Visits to 13 Dhaka Sites, Highlights Cleanliness Shortcomings

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conducted surprise inspections at 13 locations across Dhaka on Saturday, visiting hospitals, educational institutions, government residential quarters and a hawker-free footpath to assess cleanliness, maintenance and public service delivery.

During the four-and-a-half-hour tour, which began at 9:10am and ended at 1:40pm, the prime minister expressed dissatisfaction with poor hygiene and maintenance at several locations. He directed hospital authorities to improve cleanliness within seven days and officials responsible for government residential quarters to take corrective measures within two weeks.

The inspection began at Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital in Uttara. Other stops included Rajuk Uttara Model College, Mirpur Cantonment Public School and College, the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, Paikpara Staff Quarters, Government Bangla College, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital in Agargaon.

Tarique Rahman also visited Dhaka Residential Model College in Mohammadpur, his former educational institution, where he briefly addressed students and teachers and recalled his time there.

His other destinations included Dhanmondi Government Boys' High School, Kalabagan Staff Quarters, Azimpur Government Officers and Employees' Residential Quarters, and a hawker-free footpath in Mirpur-10.

Throughout the visits, the prime minister interacted with officials, students, patients, residents and pedestrians, urging them to contribute to the government's cleanliness campaign.

PM Gives Uttara Hospital Seven Days to Improve Hygiene

At Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital in Uttara, Tarique Rahman spoke with patients about the medical services they were receiving and inspected several departments, including the intensive care unit (ICU) and operating theatres.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the hospital's cleanliness and management, he instructed the authorities to improve hygiene and the overall environment within seven days, particularly amid concerns over dengue.

PM Urges Students to Help Prevent Dengue and Keep Dhaka Clean

During his visit to Rajuk Uttara Model College, the prime minister urged students to maintain cleanliness at home, in educational institutions and in their neighbourhoods to prevent dengue and protect the environment.

He stressed that government initiatives alone could not make Dhaka a clean and liveable city, calling for active participation from residents.

Dengue cases tend to rise during this period of the year and often continue through November, claiming many lives, he said.

"Prevention is the best way to fight dengue. And for that, we must keep our surroundings clean. I want your help in this effort," he told the students.

Noting that Dhaka is home to an estimated 20 million to 25 million people, Tarique Rahman said the cleaning staff of the two city corporations could not keep the entire city clean on their own, despite their regular efforts.

He called on residents to take collective responsibility for maintaining public spaces, urging students to discourage littering and raise awareness about the proper disposal of waste.

The prime minister also expressed concern over the theft of dustbins installed across the capital and saplings planted by the city corporations, stressing the need to protect public property.

Encouraging students to promote tree plantation, he suggested planting at least one tree on their own birthdays and those of their family members.

Recalling Dhaka's former green spaces, he said the loss of trees and open areas had contributed to rising temperatures.

"The more trees we have, the more freely we will be able to breathe," he said, urging young people to take an active role in keeping the city clean, preventing dengue and planting trees.

PM Calls on Government Bangla College Students to Lead Cleanliness Efforts

At Government Bangla College in Mirpur, Tarique Rahman called on young people to help prevent dengue, protect the environment and build a clean, green and healthy Bangladesh.

Addressing members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and Scouts, he said collective action was essential to safeguarding future generations.

Although maintaining cleanliness in a densely populated city like Dhaka was challenging, he said it was achievable through public awareness and coordinated efforts.

He urged students to maintain cleanliness at home, in educational institutions and at workplaces, discourage littering and prevent water from accumulating in places where mosquitoes could breed.

A clean environment was crucial to protecting public health and reducing pressure on the healthcare system, he added.

Highlighting Dhaka's poor air quality, the prime minister also called for greater tree plantation to combat air pollution. He encouraged students to build on previous tree-planting initiatives and contribute to making the country greener.

"Your generation will lead this country in the future," he said, urging them to work towards a cleaner and healthier Bangladesh.

PM Visits Alma Mater, Urges Students to Keep Bangladesh Clean and Green

At Dhaka Residential Model College in Mohammadpur, the prime minister urged students to contribute to rebuilding the country by keeping their surroundings clean and planting more trees.

He stressed that the government could not ensure a clean and green Bangladesh without the active participation of citizens, particularly young people.

Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, Tarique Rahman said young people had demonstrated their ability to bring significant change through collective action. However, their responsibilities extended beyond the movement, as they also had an important role in rebuilding the nation.

Expressing concern over worsening air pollution in Dhaka and its health consequences, particularly for children, he called for increased tree plantation.

"You are the future of the days to come. I have two requests—keep the country clean and plant more trees," he told the students.

PM Orders Action Against Doctor Caught Smoking at Shishu Hospital

During his surprise inspection of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Agargaon, Tarique Rahman ordered disciplinary action against a physician found smoking inside his office.

The prime minister expressed dissatisfaction with the doctor's conduct and the untidy condition of his room while inspecting various departments and assessing the hospital's working environment and overall cleanliness.

He instructed the hospital's board chairman, Professor Dr AKM Azizul Haque, to take action against Associate Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam.

The doctor was subsequently placed under temporary suspension.