The government aims to preserve 25 crore trees to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, said Faridul

Govt plans to preserve 25 crore trees to tackle climate risks: Faridul

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today said the government is working to preserve at least 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years to tackle climate change risks and maintain ecological balance.

He said the government plans to plant 30 crore to 32 crore saplings to replace trees that may be damaged or destroyed by natural disasters and other causes.

The state minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of a tree plantation programme at Nayabazar Degree College in Keraniganj upazila as the chief guest this morning.

Faridul Islam said the government is pursuing the campaign under the slogan, “We will beautify the country with tree plantation, Bangladesh first.”

He said the ministry is closely monitoring both the number of trees being planted and whether they are receiving proper care and maintenance.

Recalling his recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, Faridul said around 40 lakh saplings have been planted in the district. He expressed optimism over the spontaneous participation of local people in planting and caring for trees, saying it offers hope for environmental protection.

Highlighting the growing impact of climate change on temperatures in Bangladesh, the state minister said the country is among the most climate-vulnerable nations and stressed the need for more tree planting at the family level to help curb rising temperatures and maintain normal rainfall patterns.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s “One Child, One Tree” initiative, he said each student is expected to plant a sapling and take responsibility for nurturing it.

Faridul also stressed the importance of keeping the environment clean and reducing the use of polythene. He urged people to develop the habit of using dustbins instead of throwing garbage and tissues on roadsides.

He further called for an end to the use of single-use polythene bags at grocery stores, fruit shops and kitchen markets.

“Reducing the use of non-biodegradable polythene will significantly help address waterlogging and plastic pollution,” he said.

Speaking as a special guest, Dhaka-2 MP Alhaj Aman Ullah Aman said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has adopted a five-year plan to plant 25 crore trees. Under the plan, five crore trees will be planted this year, he said.

The programme was presided over by Bangladesh Rotary International President Dr Lubna Sharmin. Keraniganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Umar Faruk, Nayabazar Degree College Principal Abdul Malek, Keraniganj Model Upazila BNP Acting President Md Shamim Hasan, Joint Secretary Monir Hossain, local political and civil society leaders, teachers and students, among others, attended the event.

Later, the guests planted saplings on the college premises.