PM Urges Youth to Step Forward in Rebuilding Country, Combating Dengue

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged the country’s youth to work together in rebuilding the state and combating dengue, saying their collective strength and determination can bring meaningful change to Bangladesh.

Photo: PMO

He made the call while inaugurating a three-month nationwide dengue prevention and cleanliness campaign at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s large youth population could bring about significant change if they worked with determination. Referring to August 5, 2024, he said the younger generation had already demonstrated to the world that they could bring change.

Calling on young people to contribute to state-building, Tarique Rahman urged them to work together over the next three months to tackle dengue. He said achieving 100 percent success might not be possible, but reaching at least 80 percent should be achievable through collective efforts.

He called on Bangladesh Scouts, BNCC, Girl Guides, volunteers and students to work toward the common goal of building the country. He said Bangladesh has around 2.3 million Scouts, 22,000 BNCC members and about 15 million students in high schools, madrassas, colleges and universities. Including primary-level students, the total number is around 25 million.

Highlighting the importance of public participation, the Prime Minister said Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water accumulated in discarded paper, plastic and other waste. He urged people to maintain cleanliness at home and in educational institutions and to discourage indiscriminate dumping of waste.

He said spending just one hour a week cleaning homes, schools, colleges or institutions could bring rapid improvements. “Cleanliness, cleanliness and cleanliness” should remain a key priority in the days ahead, he added.

The nationwide campaign began Saturday and will continue until December 12. It aims to raise awareness about dengue prevention, destroy Aedes breeding grounds, strengthen cleanliness activities and improve coordination among government, private and social initiatives. Similar awareness and cleanliness drives are being conducted simultaneously at district and upazila levels.