State Minister for Finance and Bangladesh Awami League’s Finance and Planning Secretary, Wasika Ayesha Khan MP, highlighted the critical importance of tree planting in the face of global environmental and climate change threats. She reminded the audience that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had initiated the first tree-planting campaign on July 16, 1972, recognizing the significance of this cause 52 years ago.

She made these remarks today Saturday (July 13), while inaugurating the tree-planting campaign organized by BRAC in Anwara Upazila of Chattogram, under the theme "Greening the Country."

Wasika Ayesha Khan noted that trees play a vital role in protecting coastal communities from cyclones, with the Sundarbans consistently shielding Bangladesh. She stressed the need for collective participation in environmental protection.

Addressing students, she conveyed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directive for everyone to plant at least three saplings: one timber, one fruit-bearing, and one medicinal. The Prime Minister has encouraged students to plant trees on their school, college, and university campuses.

She praised BRAC for organizing the tree-planting program, expressing hope that the organization would continue to inspire positive actions among people. She emphasized that combined efforts from government and private institutions would propel Bangladesh forward.

The event, moderated by BRAC District Coordinator Md. Enamul Hasan and presided over by Anwara UNO Md. Ishtiaq Imam, saw the attendance of several dignitaries. Among them were Anwara Upazila Parishad Chairman Kazi Muzammel Haque, Vice Chairman MA Mannan Manna, and Female Vice Chairman Advocate Chumki Chowdhury. Representing BRAC were Senior Director of Microfinance Program Orinjoy Dhar, Associate Director Md. Belayet Hossain, and Deputy Program Head Md. Alauddin Chowdhury.