‘Want to make N’ganj livable green city’

Expressing his commitment to transforming Narayanganj into a greener city, Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) Administrator Advocate Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain Khan said that Prime Minister-designate Tarique Rahman has launched an ambitious program to plant 250 million trees over the next five years as part of efforts to build a greener Bangladesh and improve people’s quality of life.

As part of the first year of the initiative, 50 million trees will be planted nationwide, with Narayanganj City Corporation assigned the responsibility of planting 50,000 trees. He stated that the city corporation is determined to carry out this responsibility effectively.

“We want to transform Narayanganj into a livable city through increased greenery. To ensure proper maintenance, responsibility for specific areas will be assigned to designated individuals, who will receive remuneration for caring for the trees.

No initiative can succeed without public participation, so I urge all citizens to support this program,” he said.

He made these remarks during the inauguration of the tree-planting campaign in Narayanganj, which is part of the nationwide “250 Million Trees in Five Years” program.

Following the national launch of the campaign by the Prime Minister in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning (June 13), the local program was officially inaugurated at 11:00 a.m. through the planting of saplings at Narayanganj City Park in Deobhog.

Administrator Sakhawat Hossain Khan formally launched the initiative by planting a Golden Shower Tree (Sonalu) sapling. During the first phase, saplings of eight species including Jhau, Wood Apple (Bel), Arjun, Sonalu, Jarul, Mahogany, and Pakur were planted. Among those present at the event were NCC Chief Executive Officer Nur Kutubul Alam, Chief Engineer Azgar Hossain, Chief Social Welfare Officer Farid Ahmed Miraj, former Panel Mayor Afsana Afroz Biva, former Ward No. 13 Councilor Maksudul Alam Khondaker Khorshed, and Metropolitan Mohila Dal President Dilara Masud Moyna. Speaking at the event, the NCC Administrator further said that Tarique Rahman’s initiative is not merely a political program but a commitment to building a safe, green, and livable Bangladesh for future generations.
“There is no substitute for tree plantation in protecting the environment. Every citizen must be involved in this campaign,” he said.

“We will not only plant trees but also ensure their protection and healthy growth. In accordance with government directives, various species-including palm, date palm, elephant apple, coconut, and royal poinciana trees-will be planted along the banks of canals after excavation projects are completed. Protective fencing will also be installed around the trees to ensure the sustainability of the program and enable the people of Narayanganj to benefit from it in the long term.”