PM Aims to Make Dhaka as Clean as Tokyo
Prime Minister vows to make Dhaka as clean as Tokyo, promising better waste management, greener streets and air-quality measures to protect public health.
At a glance
- Speaking to Bangladeshi expatriates in Tokyo on 28 October, the prime minister stated that matching the Japanese capital's cleanliness would mark a massive milestone for Dhaka.
- The government plans to boost air quality, expand urban tree planting, and clear accumulated waste to foster a healthier living environment.
- During an interactive session with expats, he also addressed key topics including Japanese language training,healthcare, child development, business simplification, and job creation.
- He claimed that certain groups are attempting to obstruct government reforms, calling on both overseas and local communities to back initiatives that benefit grassroots families.
- He reaffirmed that his administration's top priority remains improving daily life for working people, whilst remaining open to other constructive national reforms.
Context
These comments came after the prime minister directly contrasted Tokyo's spotless streets with the rubbish scattered across Dhaka. Whilst sweeping streets and collecting waste are vital, Dhaka's environmental crisis runs much deeper. Tackling the capital's severe pollution will require confronting major industrial sources, including heavy construction dust, vehicle emissions, brick kilns, and untreated wastewater flowing into local waterways.
Why It Matters
Dhaka consistently ranks amongst the most polluted major cities globally, leaving millions of residents exposed to toxic air and severe respiratory risks. The toll on public health is already evident: recent industry data shows that prescription allergy medications have become the fastest-growing pharmaceutical category in Bangladesh.
What We Think
Setting such an ambitious goal is positive, but meaningful change requires visible action rather than comparisons. Real progress will depend on practical enforcement: strictly controlling dust at construction sites, cracking down on illegal waste dumping, and stopping untreated sewage from entering rivers.
At the same time, public participation is vital, as keeping the capital clean ultimately requires every citizen to dispose of rubbish responsibly.
