United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday formally inaugurated a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years, aiming to strengthen environmental protection and address the impacts of climate change. The Prime Minister inaugurated the programme by planting a sapling of Garjan tree at Malumghat Reserved Forest in Dulahazara under Pmkhali Union of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila at around 2:55pm. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other ministers and lawmakers also planted saplings of 11 different species during the event. Upon reaching the tree plantation venue, the Prime Minister greeted hundreds of local people assembled there by waving at them. Officials said a total of 1,180 saplings of indigenous tree species will be planted in the forest in the first phase of the programme. The ruling BNP had pledged in its election manifesto to plant 25 crore trees across the country within five years after coming to power. Saturday’s inauguration marks the formal start of implementation of that commitment. After forming the government following a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election, the BNP-led government began rolling out pilot initiatives in different parts of the country including the introduction of Family Card in Korail slum in Dhaka, Farmers’ Card in Tangail, and  ‘Nutan Kuri Sports’ programme in Sylhet. The Prime Minister also introduced honorarium schemes for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders of different faiths, along with stipends and sports card for athletes as part of various social protection measures. Officials said the massive afforestation programme will be implemented over five years under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with the first phase targeting the plantation of 1.5 crore saplings across 149 upazilas in 49 districts. The programme was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo presided over the event. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs and Land Mir Md Helal Uddin, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, and Environment Secretary Raihan Kawser were among others present. Later, a munajat was offered praying for the success of the tree plantation programme.