Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday called for expanding the ongoing social movement for tree plantation and greenery under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to address environmental risks posed by climate change and make the country more liveable for future generations.
He made the call while addressing, as the chief guest, a discussion at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute auditorium in Gazipur, organised by the Agriculturists Association of Bangladesh (AAB) as part of a tree-planting programme.
It was Swapon’s first formal event after being appointed political adviser to the prime minister.
“Taking care of the environment and ecosystem is our moral responsibility. We depend on the environmental balance of the earth, the only planet in the universe known to sustain life. So, instead of limiting ourselves to mechanical development, we must work with intellect and conscience to ensure a liveable planet for future generations,” he said.
Highlighting the global context of the climate crisis, the adviser said rising carbon emissions caused by excessive use of fossil fuels are increasing temperatures and putting low-lying coastal areas at risk of inundation.
“There is no alternative to greening and afforestation to overcome this global crisis,” he said.
Swapon recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had taken far-sighted initiatives to protect the environment and launched a tree-planting movement alongside efforts to ensure food security.
“Following that legacy, the present government, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has undertaken a mega plan to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years. The target set for this year has already been successfully achieved,” he said.
The adviser urged families, educational institutions and social organisations across the country to take part in expanding the greening campaign under the theme “One Child, One Tree.”
He also called on the country’s agricultural scientists and professionals to play a leading role in making the social movement a success.
Mohammad Nurul Islam, MP, Md Shohidul Islam, MP, Agriculture Secretary Salim Khan and other leaders of the association also spoke at the event with AAB Convener Dr Kamruzzaman Kaiser in the chair.