PM calls for participation in afforestation campaign

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday formally launched a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years, calling on citizens across the country to take part in the initiative to help secure a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony at Malumghat Reserved Forest in Dulahazara under Pmkhali Union of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, the Prime Minister urged people to plant at least one tree wherever possible.

“I would like to request everyone in the country, keeping in mind the future of your children so that they can breathe in a clean and healthy environment, please plant a sapling wherever it is possible for you,” he said.

The programme has been launched as part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen environmental protection and address the impacts of climate change.

Announcing the formal commencement of the campaign, Tarique Rahman expressed hope that the initiative would help create a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.

“I am formally announcing the launch of this tree plantation campaign. We are inaugurating it. We hope that, Insha’Allah, we will be able to create an environment where our future generations can breathe freely and live in a clean environment,” he said.

He said the successful implementation of the afforestation programme would contribute to ensuring clean and pollution-free air in the years ahead.

“Let us ensure a guarantee for our future generations that they will be able to live in a clean and pollution-free environment,” the Prime Minister said.

Recalling a commitment made before the national election, Tarique Rahman said the BNP had pledged to undertake a large-scale tree plantation campaign if it formed the government.

“Before the election, we had promised the people that if we were able to form the government with the mercy of Almighty Allah, we would launch a tree plantation programme in the country. Our target is to plant at least five crore saplings every year and 25 crore saplings over the next five years,” he said.
He also called on district administrations to actively support the initiative.

“Today, particularly Deputy Commissioners from various parts of the country are connected here. I would like to instruct you all to take initiatives to turn your respective districts into green sanctuaries,” he said.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the campaign by planting a Garjan sapling at around 2:55pm at the forest site. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other ministers and lawmakers also planted saplings of 11 different species during the programme.

Officials said 1,180 saplings of indigenous tree species will be planted in the forest during the first phase of the initiative.

Upon arrival at the venue, Tarique Rahman greeted hundreds of people gathered there by waving to them.

Saturday’s programme marked the formal implementation of the BNP’s election manifesto pledge to plant 25 crore trees nationwide within five years of assuming office.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo presided over the event.
Among those present were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs and Land Mir Md Helal Uddin, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, and Environment Secretary Raihan Kawser.