Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday advised officials to select tree species for plantation programmes based on local soil characteristics and environmental conditions to ensure better survival rates and ecological benefits.

He made the remarks at a meeting on the government's tree plantation programme held at the Prime Minister's Office, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.

“Not all regions of the country have the same type of soil. Trees should be selected and planted according to the soil and environmental conditions of each area,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying.

He also said such an approach would increase the survival rate of planted trees and contribute positively to maintaining ecological balance.

Referring to the growing impacts of climate change, Tarique Rahman said seasonal patterns are changing and weather behaviour has become increasingly unpredictable.

“Previously, regular rainfall was expected with the arrival of June, but that pattern has changed significantly. The decline in forest cover and tree resources is one of the important reasons behind nature’s adverse behaviour,” he said.

The Prime Minister said tree plantation should be given priority to protect the environment, address the impacts of climate change and ensure a safer planet for future generations.

The meeting also discussed the government's plan to plant 250 million trees across the country over the next five years.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to formally launch the nationwide programme on June 14 at Dulahazara in Cox’s Bazar.

Environment and Forest Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Environment Secretary Raihan Kawsar, Director General of the Department of Environment Lutfur Rahman, Additional Director General Ziaul Haque, Chief Conservator of Forests Amir Hossain Chowdhury and member of the 25 crore Tree Plantation Programme Cell Jamail Bashir JB, among others, attended the meeting.