Just observing 'days' won't help
Photo: Munir Uz Zaman/ Driknews
June 5 is World Environment Day. In Bangladesh it was observed as we are very expert in observing days on many issues. Seminars, rallies, talk shows were held, the Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Department of Environment organised programmes: holding colourful banners and umbrellas and wearing caps, the participants took out processions. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President Zillur Rahman gave messages on the occasion. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina planted a sapling and asked everyone to do so, saying that trees are very important to living a healthy life and it plays an important role to combat climate change. But only advice will not bring any results unless the government stops tree felling, cutting down hills, filling up water bodies, polluting the rivers by dumping toxic materials etc, which are going on unabated. The water of the Buriganga has become black like tar; many other rivers have also become severely polluted endangering the lives of aquatic species. Air pollution has taken a severe turn, making people suffer from many serious diseases. People should become conscious, try their utmost to improve the situation and join hands with the government to save the country from disaster. And the government must act fast. If urgent steps are not taken, the day is not far away when we will be doomed.
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