Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said 17 percent of Bangladesh will be submerged in water due to the rise in sea level.

As a result, there will be no food production in that area.  The map of Bangladesh will change. Actually, climate change has created an existential crisis for us, he said.

He said while addressing at the inauguration ceremony of the nationwide tree planting program organized by Bangladesh Awami Jubo League on the occasion of Bangladesh Awami League's platinum jubilee in the capital’s Mugda on Frida.

He said a 500-meter green belt will be built in coastal areas to protect the country from storm surges as per the election manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League. If there are more trees, the temperature will be lower.  Therefore, to sustain the existence of Bangladesh, more and more trees must be planted, he added.

The Environment Minister said that a healthy environment is required to build a smart Bangladesh. And a healthy environment requires enough plants.  Plantation is essential to ensure a healthy and safe world for our future generations.  The minister termed cutting trees as a crime.

He also expressed his sincere thanks to the Jubo League for choosing Dhaka 9 constituencies and said that the support of the Jubo League will be accepted for the government plantation program and protection of forest resources.

Bangladesh Awami Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash presided over the event.   General Secretary of Jubo League Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil MP and Central and local leaders of Jubo League were also present on the occasion.