Chhatra Dal activists conducted a cleanup drive at the gravesite compound of BNP founder, martyred president Ziaur Rahman, and former chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday. The activity followed tribute ceremonies marking the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s 48th founding anniversary, which drew a large number of party leaders and activists and left waste in and around the area.

The drive was led by Chhatra Dal central vice-president Kazi Ziauddin Basit. Activists voluntarily collected garbage scattered across the gravesite compound, nearby roads and other surrounding locations. Basit said cleanliness is part of faith and said the initiative was launched in line with instructions he attributed to Tarique Rahman to keep surrounding areas clean.

Basit said greater public awareness could help maintain cleaner surroundings and, in turn, contribute to a cleaner country. Chhatra Dal activists said environmental cleanliness should not be limited to special days or programmes. They called on people to regularly keep their surroundings clean and urged every citizen to play a responsible role in ensuring a clean environment.