Terming June–July a suitable time for planting trees, Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud urged everyone to plant at least three trees.
"Trees should be planted wherever there is land. And attempts should be taken to ensure that no one cuts trees unnecessarily," the minister said at the distribution of compensation checks to the beneficiaries of the Forest Department and the families of victims of wild elephant attacks organized by Chittagong South Forest Division at Rangunia Upazila Auditorium on Friday evening.
Dr. Hasan recalled that Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged everyone to plant at least three saplings-- medicinal fruits and wood bearing ones.
Read: Plant trees to shield Bangladesh from climate change: PM Hasina
Dr Hasan said after assuming office, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government took the initiative of co-management for the protection of forests.
After increasing forest resources through the method, the dividends of that money are being distributed among the locals who were involved in the co-management system.
Hasam, also the joint general secretary of Awami League, said cheques for over Tk 95 lakhs are being handed over to 377 tree plantation beneficiaries of the forest department and each gets Tk 25,200.
Read: Protest against tree felling: Police foil bid to lay siege to Nagar Bhaban
"It proves that if you plant a tree, it is converted into money," he added.
"We are people of hilly areas. We are getting these benefits from the government because we protect the forest. 450 more people of Rangunia will get this benefit. So I request everyone to plant as many trees as possible in this July-July month," he added.
Read: In India, mangrove trees make way for booming city of Kochi
Divisional Forest Officer of Chattogram South Forest Division Abdullah-Al-Mamun presided over the function while Chairman of Rangunia Upazila Parishad Swajan Kumar Talukdar and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ataul Gani Osmani, among others, addressed the function as special guests.