A divisional level cleanliness drive was launched in the city to mark the Mujib Barsha-2020, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, aimed at establishing a clean, green and habitable atmosphere everywhere in the society. Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) AHM Khairuzzaman Liton accompanied by some high officials concerned formally launched the drive in front of Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Botanical Garden and Zoo in the city on Thursday.

Prior to this, he addressed an advocacy meeting on the issue at the conference hall of Divisional Commissioner’s office urging all quarters to make the drive a total success. Chaired by Divisional Commissioner Humayun Kabir Khandaker, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Fazley Hossain Badsha, MP, Deputy Inspector General of Police AKM Hafiz Akter, Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Sajayet Islam and Deputy Commissioner Hamidul Haque.

Mayor Liton told the meeting that the city corporation (RCC) has already launched a cleanliness campaign and motivational programme at all its 30 wards simultaneously to make the efforts a total success. He said the city corporation has started conducting special crush programmes for cleanliness. ‘Support Rajshahi City Corporation to build clean village, clean city, green, clean everywhere, environment-friendly and habitable’ was the main slogan of the campaign.

All the existing drains, bushes and landfills will be brought under cleanliness drives. In phases, all the major installations and institutions will be brought under the programme. Liton urged both the civil and police administrations to extend their support to hasten the cleanliness campaign after the best uses of state machineries. He said, “Our environment is a testimony to the state of our mentality. We indiscriminately pollute our environment. We know that one day’s cleaning operation is not enough but we have to make an effort to change our habits. We have to remember not only to clean but also to stop throwing garbage to protect our environment”.