DHAKA, Sept 30, 2020 (BSS) – President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed the hope that the observance of the ‘National Sanitation Month-October 2020’ and the ‘Global Handwashing Day 2020’ will help create awareness and improve sanitation system in the country.
In separate messages, they wished all programmes of the sanitation month and the hand-washing day a success.
The Ministry for Local Government and Rural Development observes the month and the day to create awareness about sanitation and hygiene among the people.
The President, in his message, said the main objective of observing national sanitation month is to create awareness among the people about sanitation and health.
He said, the government has been taking effective initiatives, including establishing low-cost sanitary latrine, public and community toilet and wash blocks in primary schools across the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The President expressed his firm conviction that the concerned agencies and institutions would continue their active role in this regard with a view to building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the issue of sanitation has turned into a social movement in the country because of timely steps taken by the government.
She called upon all concerned, including non-government organizations, donor agencies and media, to come forward spontaneously to expedite this movement.
“The number of sanitation users in the country has more than doubled in the last eleven and a half years. At present, 98.4 percent of the population in the country has been brought under sanitation and safe water sources,” she said.
The premier said in order to achieve sustainable development, various activities are being implemented including innovation and application of various technologies, human resource development in related fields, construction and use of environmental friendly improved toilets and raising awareness on sanitation and waste management.
One of the easiest, most cost-effective and effective ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection is to adhere to safe health and sanitation issues, she said.
She added that because of the timely actions taken by the Awami League government, it has been possible to increase health awareness as well as reduce the incidence of COVID-19 in the country.