Speakers at a tree plantation programme said there is no alternative to extensive afforestation to protect the environment and tackle the adverse impacts of climate change.
They said everyone must become involved in a tree-planting movement from now on to build a habitable and greener planet for future generations.
The speakers made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of an upazila-wide programme to plant 5,000 trees, organised by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation at the Kalaroa Government Primary School premises on Friday morning.
The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Arifuzzaman Mamun, founder and chairman of the Climate Action and Justice Foundation.
The programme was moderated by Alamgir Kabir, assistant director of the Open University and trustee of the foundation.
Vice Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh Dr. Mizanur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest.
Special guests included former mayor of Kalaroa municipality and joint convener of Satkhira district BNP Akhtarul Islam, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University registrar Sheikh Rezaul Karim, Vice President and CGM of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Asaduzzaman Milon, government primary school head teacher Mujibur Rahman, Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services Sheikh Faruk Hossain, former student leader Atikuzzaman Ripon, media personality Tanzid Ahmed Shawon, Reporters Club president Mostak Ahmed, BRDB official Jahangir Hossain, and Deputy Registrar of Jashore University of Science and Technology.
In his speech, chief guest Dr. Mizanur Rahman said the benefits of the tree plantation programme inaugurated today would be far-reaching.
“To save the planet from the devastating impacts of climate change, more and more trees must be planted. Not only the government, but every member of society must come forward to protect the environment. Rising temperatures, natural disasters and air pollution have become major threats for us. There is no alternative to tree plantation to build a habitable world for future generations. A tree not only provides oxygen, it also maintains ecological balance and ensures human safety,” he said.
Former Kalaroa mayor and Satkhira district BNP joint convener Akhtarul Islam said Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
“Therefore, a social movement must be built to protect the environment. The initiative taken by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation is highly commendable. It is not enough to plant trees ceremonially; responsibility for their care must also be taken. If every family plants at least a few trees each year, major environmental changes are possible. Young people must be involved in the environmental protection movement. Effective initiatives must begin today for a healthy future for our children,” he said.
Founder and chairman of the Climate Action and Justice Foundation Arifuzzaman Mamun said the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe day by day.
“The risk of environmental disasters is increasing in various parts of the country, including coastal areas. In this situation, public awareness and social initiatives for environmental protection are very important. Our organisation not only plants trees, but also works on climate justice and environmental awareness. Through today’s programme, 5,000 saplings will be planted across different areas of the upazila. We want the new generation to grow up with environmentally friendly values and come forward to protect nature,” he said.
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University registrar Sheikh Rezaul Karim said agriculture and the environment are deeply interconnected.
“Environmental balance is being disrupted due to the reduction of trees, and agricultural production is also being affected. More fruit-bearing, forest and medicinal trees should be planted. In particular, tree plantation programmes in educational institutions will help create awareness among students,” he said.
He added that alongside government initiatives, private and social organisations must also come forward to protect the environment.
Vice President and CGM of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Asaduzzaman Milon said environmental protection is no longer just a social responsibility, but an essential duty for humanity.
“The world is facing multiple crises due to climate change. Therefore, positive initiatives like tree plantation must be expanded further.
Corporate institutions should also participate in environmental conservation activities as part of their social responsibility. If environmental awareness can be created among the youth, it will be possible to build a greener and safer Bangladesh in the future,” he said.