Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged citizens to help keep Bangladesh clean and environment-friendly by avoiding littering and adopting simple habits to protect public spaces.

"If we do not keep our own homes and our own country clean, no one from outside will come and clean it for us," he said after inaugurating a tree plantation programme on the banks of the Sarikal-Batajor canal in Gournadi upazila of Barishal.

The Prime Minister called on people to stop throwing plastic bottles, packets, tissues and other waste indiscriminately, warning that careless disposal was damaging the environment and putting future generations at risk.

"I request the people of the whole country—let us make sure we do not throw garbage wherever we like. Whether it is an empty water bottle, a plastic packet or any used item, we should dispose of it in the proper place," he said.

Tarique Rahman said environmental degradation caused by irresponsible waste disposal would ultimately affect children and future generations. He urged people to develop the habit of keeping waste with them until they found a proper disposal point.

Sharing his own experience, he said he had carried used tissues in his pocket until finding a dustbin since childhood.

"Throughout the day, I keep used tissues in my pocket. When I return home at night, I throw them into a dustbin. I have gradually built this habit, and everyone can do the same," he said.

The Prime Minister said small but responsible actions by individuals could help transform Bangladesh into a cleaner and more attractive country.

"We often admire the clean streets and beautiful surroundings we see in other countries. If we want Bangladesh to be equally beautiful, every one of us must play our part," he said.

"If we all develop this habit, we can build a clean and beautiful country. Not only will Bangladeshis appreciate it, but visitors from abroad will also say Bangladesh is a clean and well-maintained country," he added.

Pointing to two plastic bottles floating in the nearby canal, Tarique Rahman said maintaining cleanliness required collective efforts.

"A few people alone cannot keep the country clean while everyone else continues to litter. We all have to work together. Waste must be thrown only in designated places," he said.

Comparing the country to a home, he said: "If one person cleans a house all day but five or six others keep making it dirty, can that house remain clean? The country is just like our home. A few people alone cannot keep it clean if everyone else continues to litter."

Referring to markets, roadsides and public places often covered with rubbish, he said no one wanted to see dirty surroundings.

"When you travel by bus to Barishal town or Dhaka, you often see markets and roadsides filled with rubbish. Nobody likes to see garbage everywhere," he said.

The Prime Minister said littering not only damaged the country's appearance but also harmed the environment.

"So, let us take care of our country. We must take care of our country ourselves because it is our shared home. A clean Bangladesh depends on the awareness and responsibility of all of us," he said.