President urges citizens to plant at least 1 tree each

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday urged citizens to plant and nurture at least one sapling each, calling for tree plantation to be turned into a national responsibility and a social movement.

“Tree plantation is not merely a ceremonial programme; it is a national duty, a commitment to protecting the environment and a responsibility towards future generations,” he said in a message issued on the eve of the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026, scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

The President said trees play a vital role in conserving nature, protecting biodiversity and reducing the adverse effects of climate change.

“Besides providing oxygen, trees help maintain ecological balance, control pollution and reduce the impacts of natural disasters,” he added.

He said Bangladesh is facing growing environmental challenges due to rapid urbanisation, declining forest areas, pollution and climate change, making large-scale afforestation and greening initiatives essential.

The President said the government has taken a programme to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years.

He said afforestation activities are being carried out in government forests, marginal lands, coastal areas and char regions, while plantation campaigns are also being implemented at 29,621 educational institutions under the “One Child, One Tree” programme.

These initiatives would make significant contributions to building a greener, sustainable and prosperous Bangladesh, he hoped.

The President congratulated the recipients of the National Tree Plantation Award-2025 and the National Wildlife Conservation Award-2026, as well as beneficiaries of social forestry programmes.

He wished the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026 overall success.