Despite the immense importance of waste removal and safe disposal, the municipal cleaners have remained neglected professionally and socially neglected over the years.
The cleaning profession should be recognised more importantly both by the state and society. A transformative change in their life in the future neo-normal life is needed.
Although Covid-19 has put thrust on hygiene at the forefront of the health agenda, municipal cleaners are an under-recognised frontline workforce in this essential public response. Keeping our cities clean is key to ensuring a hygienic Bangladesh.
The speakers said these Sunday at the launching of personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution among cleaners – ‘The Clean Cities’ initiative of Healthy Bangladesh-- which began on June 25 at Moulvibazar Municipality (Paurashava).
The PPE distribution among cleaners took place in Noakhali and Patuakhali municipalities (paurashavas) on Sunday.
Convener of Healthy Bangladesh Hossain Zillur Rahman inaugurated the programme at a virtual session while Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, attended the event as a special guest.
Mayors, councilors and city level stakeholders of Noakhali and Patuakhali municipalities attended the PPE distribution programme from their respective towns. The organisers thanked UNDP for partnering on this important initiative.
This initiative of providing PPE to the cleaners is being implemented at Pabna, Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Dhamrai, Jhenaidah, Khagrachhari, Kushtia, Manikganj, Mongla Port, Moulvibazar, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Patuakhali, Panchagarh, Shariatpur, Satkhira and Sylhet City Corporation.
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