Int'l Ozone Day today

This year's theme of the day is "Save our Sky: There is a Hole, Lot More to Do for Our Children."

President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in separate messages on the eve of the day expressed firm commitment of Bangladesh to implement Montreal Protocol to phase out production and consumption of all substances responsible for depletion of ozone layer.

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In his message, the President said Bangladesh would continue its effective and bold role in all programme at national and international levels to protect the environment.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said Bangladesh has been working very closely with international community to translate its commitment in light with Montreal Protocol for protecting the earth and atmosphere. She reiterated her commitment to continue Bangladesh's strides to protect the ozone layer.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in a message on the day said "though recent findings show that the rate of ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere has been declining, we cannot be complacent.

Greater political commitment and further actions are required to ensure full compliance with the Montreal Protocol by developed and developing countries, he said.

The Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Environment Directorate have taken different programmes to observe the day.

National dailies will publish special articles and the electronic media will broadcast different programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Environment Directorate will decorate the roads and road islands of the city with banners and festoons inscribing the theme of the day.