ED: Good sanitation practices are not optional

At no point in history have safe health practices and sanitation been of more importance than now, as the coronavirus pandemic rages through the world, having affected more than 34 million people, of whom more than a million have perished.

As such, it is encouraging to see the president and the prime minister wholeheartedly support the observance of National Sanitation Month and Global Handwashing Day this October in an effort to generate awareness regarding the issue of sanitation amongst the people of Bangladesh, where the coronavirus has taken more than 5,000 lives.

As the prime minister has rightfully said, strict adherence to safe health and sanitation practices are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and it is commendable that the government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that people across the nation are incorporating these practices into their daily lives.

In order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, the government’s conviction has already led to several successful initiatives, such as the establishment of public and community toilets in primary schools across the country and low-cost sanitary latrines, with more than 98% of the population currently under sanitation and safe water sources.

However, in order for this movement to continue to be the success it has been, all public and private organizations must come together in order to ensure that such practices become an inherent part of their day-to-day existence.

This is, in fact, one of the key components of sustainable development, whereby the health of the nation is prioritized through raising awareness and implementing innovative technologies in order to build effective methods through which the public can live better, healthier, and more sanitary lives.