Experts, academics, and civil society representatives have called for transforming urban greening into a strong social movement to make Dhaka more livable and environmentally sustainable.
The call was made on Saturday at a seminar titled “Greening Movement for Sustainable Development of Dhaka,” jointly organized by “Greenwatch Dhaka” and “Dhakar Shekor” at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club.
Speaking as chief guest, Abdus Salam, administrator of the Dhaka South City Corporation and a freedom fighter, said initiatives are underway to plant trees across vacant spaces, roadside areas, and road dividers in the city.
He urged nursery owners, entrepreneurs, and relevant stakeholders to come forward in support of the initiative.
He stressed that protecting and greening the capital cannot be achieved by government efforts alone, calling for active participation from citizens in environmental protection and urban sustainability efforts.
Salam also announced that the city corporation has designated every Saturday as “cleanliness day.”
He further informed that 10 individuals will be awarded annually in recognition of excellence in urban gardening and rooftop farming initiatives.
Keynote speaker agricultural scientist and horticulture expert Dr. Md. Mehedi Masud said rising temperatures in Dhaka have made rooftop gardening, balcony gardening, and vertical greening no longer optional but essential for urban survival.
He added that with proper scientific planning and structured horticulture projects, every building in Dhaka can be transformed into a source of oxygen and ecological balance.
Speaking as a special guest, General Secretary of the National Press Club Ayub Bhuiyan said the media has always played a vital role in raising environmental awareness and can help extend the greening movement to every household.
Trustee of “Dhakar Shekor,” Haji Motaleb Mashraki, emphasized the importance of social organizations in preserving Dhaka’s heritage, natural environment, and ecological balance.
The seminar was chaired by editor of Greenwatch Dhaka, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, and moderated by its executive editor, Rafiqul Islam Azad.
In his concluding remarks, Majumder said greening is not a luxury but a necessity for the city’s survival. He added that the initiative would continue beyond discussions through sustained programs, community engagement, and practical actions on the ground.
During the open discussion, environmental activists, journalists, and civil society members urged immediate steps to address Dhaka’s environmental degradation, protect remaining open spaces, and implement large-scale planned tree plantation to restore urban livability.
As part of the event, more than 50 rooftop gardeners were provided with saplings of different tree species by Dhakar Shekor. The chief guest formally handed over the saplings to the participants, marking a symbolic gesture of encouraging urban gardening across the city.