The Dhaka University (DU) unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Monday carried out a tree plantation programme on the university campus in memory of those martyred during the 2024 July Mass Uprising.
The programme was held at the Mall Chattar on the campus with support from the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam attended the event as the chief guest. Also present were DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, DU JCD President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, and other leaders and activists of the organisation.
Speaking at the event, Abdus Salam said there is no alternative to large-scale tree plantation to maintain ecological balance and make urban life more liveable. He noted that rapid urbanisation and environmental pollution have contributed to a rise in various diseases, while Dhaka's air pollution has reached an alarming level.
He said that alongside government initiatives, public participation is essential to address the environmental crisis.
Referring to the prime minister's target of planting 250 million trees over the next five years, Salam urged people from all walks of life to take part in the campaign. He said that if every citizen planted at least one tree, the country could add several crore trees within a short period.
Salam also said that democracy had been restored through the 2024 movement and stressed that DU students must play a responsible role in ensuring that the country's democratic progress is not hindered.
DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) said the campus programme was launched as part of the prime minister's five-year initiative to plant 250 million trees, with the DU unit of JCD taking the lead and DSCC providing support.
He said the effects of climate change and global warming are already visible in different parts of the country. Planned tree plantation, coupled with proper care of the saplings, could help mitigate some of the adverse impacts of global warming on the environment.
He expressed hope that such initiatives would make the Dhaka University campus greener and more environmentally friendly.
DU JCD President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas said the programme was organised as part of the tree plantation campaign announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He added that the organisation has been expanding the campaign since July through various initiatives.
He further said that the DSCC had provided 500 saplings to support the programme. The initiative, organised in memory of the July martyrs, aims to contribute to the greening of the campus while encouraging students to take an active role in environmental conservation.
Following the discussion, the guests and JCD leaders and activists planted saplings at different locations around the Mal Chattar.