PM calls for region-specific tree plantation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to adopt a location-specific approach to tree plantation, stressing that selecting species suited to local soil and environmental conditions is crucial for improving survival rates and strengthening the country’s environmental resilience.

The instruction came on Saturday during a meeting on the government’s tree plantation programme at the Prime Minister’s Office, according to a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.

Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s diverse geographical landscape requires tailored plantation strategies rather than a uniform approach.

“Not all regions of the country have the same type of soil. Trees should be selected and planted according to the soil and environmental conditions of each area,” he said.

He noted that proper species selection would significantly increase the chances of survival of newly planted trees while contributing to the preservation of ecological balance.

Highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change, Tarique Rahman said the country’s traditional weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable.

“Previously, regular rainfall was expected with the arrival of June, but that pattern has changed significantly. The decline in forest cover and tree resources is one of the important reasons behind nature’s adverse behaviour,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that expanding tree cover should remain a national priority to help protect the environment, mitigate climate-related impacts and create a safer future for coming generations.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the government’s plan to plant 250 million trees across the country over the next five years as part of a broader environmental protection initiative.

The nationwide plantation programme is scheduled to be formally launched by the Prime Minister on June 14 at Dulahazara in Cox’s Bazar.

Among those attending the meeting were Environment and Forest Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Environment Secretary Raihan Kawsar, Director General of the Department of Environment Lutfur Rahman, Additional Director General Ziaul Haque, Chief Conservator of Forests Amir Hossain Chowdhury and Jamail Bashir JB, a member of the 25 crore Tree Plantation Programme Cell.