Barishal, Correspondent :
Kuakata Municipal Branch of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has organised a tree-planting programme on ‘Char Bijoy’, a newly emerged island in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Kuakata beach in Patuakhali.
On Tuesday afternoon, the organisation planted around 2,000 saplings to protect the environment and establish a green belt on the island.
According to environmental activists, tree planting on a newly formed island like Char Bijoy will not only prevent erosion but also play a significant role in preserving biodiversity, including birds and fish.
Welcoming the initiative, Abul Hossain Raju, Joint Convener of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement (UPRA), said, “Tree plantation is crucial to prevent coastal erosion and conserve biodiversity. An initiative like this on a new island such as Char Bijoy is certainly commendable.”
Twenty workers from Jamaat-e-Islami reached Char Bijoy by speedboat from Zero Point in Kuakata and planted various species of trees, including palm, banyan, and coconut.
In addition, they carried out awareness and promotion activities among the fishermen residing around the island. Leaders of JI and its front organisations, including Maulana Mainul Islam Mannan, Abdul Qadir, Alauddin Musli, and Bashir Al Helal, were present during the programme.
Abdul Qadir stated, “This programme is not political but a humanitarian initiative aimed at protecting the environment. Char Bijoy is completely uninhabited, and the risk of coastal erosion here is very high. Our goal is to create a natural defence through tree plantation and establish a green coastline for future generations.”
Maulana Mainul Islam Mannan added, “We see Char Bijoy as a potential island. If regular tree planting and environmentally friendly measures are implemented, it could become an attractive destination for tourism.”
Moniruzzaman, Range Officer of the Mahipur Forest Department, said, “We are aware of Char Bijoy’s location and characteristics. The Forest Department also has plans for long-term programmes, including tree plantation, on the island.”
