DHAKA, Sept 15, 2022 (BSS) - The World Ozone Day will be observed in the country tomorrow as elsewhere across the world with the theme 'Montreal protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth'.

On the eve of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today gave separate messages urging all to take concerted efforts to help protect the ozone layer to save the environment.

In his message, the President lauded the recognition of the success of 35 years of the Montreal Protocol.

"...I think that the theme of this year is very time befitting," the head of the state added.

He urged everyone to be more responsible in implementing the measures taken by the government to protect the ozone layer side by side with  raising awareness.
 
Hamid added that the Montreal Protocol adopted by the United Nations in 1987 is a landmark step in protecting the ozone layer.

Over the past 35 years, the use of ozone depleting substances has been significantly reduced through the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, he said.

In addition to protecting the ozone layer, the protocol is making a significant contribution to tackling global warming, climate change and the development of energy-efficient technologies, he said, adding that the use of advanced and environmentally friendly technology, especially in air-conditioning and refrigeration devices used for storing food and medicine is on the rise.

He said it is very important to raise awareness among people to reduce the use of CFC gas based cooling devices to protect the ozone layer.

He hoped that the observance of 'World Ozone Day' will play an effective role in raising public awareness about the importance of the ozone layer in sustaining the existence of all lives on earth.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called upon the government as well as the private sector to come forward in protecting the ozone layer of the atmosphere.

The premier hoped that this year's observance of 'World Ozone Day' will highlight the success of Bangladesh in implementing the Montreal Protocol.

She also expected that the observance will play an effective role in raising public awareness to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.

"I hope it will encourage the use of sustainable, environment-friendly and energy-efficient technologies in the industry," she added.

She said, "After formation of three successive governments since 2008, we have taken various effective steps to restructure the ozone layer. We have already banned the use of most ozone depleting substances in the country, including HCFC (Hydro Chlorofluorocarbon), Halon and Methyl Chloroform, Methyl Bromide."
 
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bengali of all time, was very sensitive in maintaining the balance of the environment and he focused on the forestry and coastal green belt across the country, among other responsibilities, Hasina mentioned.

The prime minister added: "After formation of the Awami League-led government in 1996, we adopted a comprehensive plan to ensure proper implementation of the Montreal Protocol."

Both the president and the premier wished the overall success of all the programmes taken on the occasion of 'World Ozone Day-2022'.

Special programmes will be aired on various electronic media including Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar.

The Montreal Protocol was signed in the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer on September 16, 1987 and it came into force on January 1, 1989.

Bangladesh has been observing the day since 1990 following signing of the protocol in the same year.