‘Let’s cleanup the country’ day observed Feb 4

Asking for increased availability of dustbins all across the country and raising mass awareness and mass involvement in using them, 'Poriborton Chai' celebrated the 'Let's Cleanup the Country Day 2017' on February 4.

This is the third year in a row that the day was celebrated, according to a press release.

Cleaning operations were carried out in Dhaka and across the country by 110,000 volunteers, according to the press release.

Fida Haq, Chairman of the organisation informed that with a vow to improve the cleanliness situation of collective urban spaces of the country, it has been holding cleanup campaigns and activities in association with government and non-government agencies since 2014.

As part of 'Let's Cleanup the Country' campaign, the organisation has already carried out cleanliness operations in all the divisional headquarters and a few other important cities of the country. With invitations from the District Commissioners of Barisal and Tangail, it has taken part in canal and river reclamation and cleaning operations last year.

It held the first 'Let's Cleanup the Country' Day in 2014.

In the Closing Ceremony that was conducted by Didarul Islam Bhuiyan, general secretary of the central committee, it transpired that as a run up to this year's "Let's Cleanup the Country Day", a bootcamp  was organised at Pothik Birotighar at Dumni, Purbachal.

Also, Poriborton Chai organised a short film competition this year named "Short & Clean" themed on cleanliness in urban open spaces and use of dustbin. In the short film competition, 62 films were submitted from all across the country five of which were selected for awards and certificates by a jury of national stature, the press release read.

Sponsors of the "Let's Cleanup the Country Day 2017" are Actionaid Bangladesh, IPDC Finance, Qubee, BGMEA and payPoint.

The closing ceremony of the "Let's Cleanup the Country Day 2017" was held at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Field at Mirpur 10.

Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, in his speech as the Chief Guest, said that cleaning has to be done every day and not on a single day and it has to take place everywhere, not just on a special road. Yet everyone needs a bit of symbolism and the "Let's Cleanup the Country Day 2017" is one such symbol. Keeping this icon of cleanliness in mind, he requested everyone to use bins for throwing refuse.