Eminent citizens, celebrities and people from all walks of life yesterday pledged to change themselves to bring about a positive change in the society for building a democratic, progressive and secular country.
Urging all to discharge their duties sincerely, they said if a person changes himself or herself fora noble cause, he/she can change the whole world.
They were speaking at a programme at Rabindra Sarobar at Dhanmondi in the city as part of the Bodie lao, Bodie Dao' (Change yourself, change others) campaign of the daily Prothom Alo.
The daily Prothom Alo launched this campaign last month to mark its 10th founding anniversary with a view to bringing about positive changes in the society.
As it was a holiday, people participated in the campaign with much enthusiasm, writing their 'pledges' on the banners to promote good work and eliminate malpractices.
The programme started with songs rendered by the artists of Surer Dhara, a music school. Noted singer Rezwana Chowdhury Banya led the performance.
Speaking on the occasion, Founder of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra Abdullah Abu Sayeed said he who can change himself can change the world.
"We have to believe that we can do it," he said and pledged that he would try to do somethinggood everyday.
Founder and Chairperson of Brae Fazle Hasan Abed said he had promised to eradicate poverty from the country 36-37 years ago and the work is still goingon.
He had recently pledged to give up smoking and he has kept the promise.
Urging the teachers to refrain from beating children with cane, former adviser to a caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury pledged that she would never misbehave with anychildren.
Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam said it is very easy to utter the words 'Bodie Jao, Bodie Dao', but it is very tough to change one's self.
Urging all to give up the unhealthy practice of spitting on the roads, he said, "We could prevent many contagious diseases if we can change this unhealthy practice.”
He also urged everyone to be modestand humble.
Salma Khan, member of Cedaw committee, urged all to work for eliminating discrimination and violence against women.
Dr Samanta Lal Sen pledged that he would not take any fee from any victims of violence against women especially acid victims.
Popular anchor Hanif Sanket said, “We have to change the habit of blaming someone else for our own faults."
He said it is possible to bring changes in the society if every single person discharges his or her duties sincerely.
Lawmaker and popular folk singer Mamtaz urgedg FFfflM^ *2 Plant ^^ Wl lings each for the sake of the environment and tackling natural disaster.
Noted singer and musician Bappa Majumder said he would take the responsibilities of a freedom fighter with disabilities.
Singers Shakila Zafar, Kanak Chapa, Fahmida Nabi, Asif Akbar, SI Tutul and Dinat Jahan rendered the theme song of the campaign and pledged to work for promoting the country's culture and heritage.
Noted actor and lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor recited poems while noted media personality Afzal Hossain, model Nobel, singers Sarruna Chowdhury, Kumar Bishwajit and Mahmuduzzaman Babu and anchor Abdun Nur Tushar also pledged to bring positive changes in the society.
Editor and Publisher of the Prothom Alo Matiur Rahman said the aim of the campaign was to let people write their pledges on 280 banners but 1700 banners have already been filled up.
The campaign will continue till June 16 and an exhibition of the banners will be held at Cox’s Bazar on June 19. he said.
The aim of the campaign is to build a democratic, progressive and secular country, he said.
Seeking cooperation of all. he urged everyone to move forward to bring a positive change in the family and the society as well.
Deputy Editor of the Prothom .Alo Anisul Hoque moderated the programme • while folk signer Kuddus Boyati and singers Kumar Bishwajit and Mahmuduzzaman Babu rendered songs.