Climate change has robbed Bangladesh's six seasons of their rhythm. To bring that rhythm back, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni has urged everyone to plant at least one tree to protect the environment.
The minister also called on students to plant at least one tree a year, wherever they like.
She said this while opening the "12th Annual Bonsai Exhibition" organised by Radiant Bonsai Society at the WVA auditorium in Dhanmondi in the capital on Friday 7 October.
"Gardening is good for body and mind"
The education minister said: "Tree planting is now being practised across the country. I myself am extremely fond of gardening. I have a joint venture with a relative of mine, who looks after it, and I praise them for that. That is how it stands for now. If I get the chance to retire and I am still alive, perhaps I will be able to look after it myself. Caring for trees is a good habit, good for body and mind. We will love greenery and spread it across the country. Trees are needed for health, and for the environment too."
Dipu Moni said: "Across the whole world there is this climate change: winter has become shorter, the monsoon is erratic, and summer weighs heavily on us. This climate change is good for no one. Food production around the world will be hit and there will be all kinds of diseases. The rhythm we used to have with the seasons is breaking down. So that we can return to how things were and not get worse, we must care for trees and spread greenery. My best wishes to those who practise the art of bringing large-scale nature into the home. Perhaps bonsai will establish itself firmly as an industry in Bangladesh."
Bonsai on sale until 9 October
The organisers said that in this time of rapid urbanisation, practising bonsai at home is essential to keep alive an ancient art and to make up for the lack of trees' beauty and oxygen.
The main aim of this year's exhibition is to present lively, fresh bonsai to city people. Special guests at the opening of the three-day exhibition were Rotary International District 3281 governor Engineer MA Wahab and DBC News editor Pranab Saha.
Bonsai of various species are on display, and visitors can also buy them, with prices from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1 lakh. The exhibition, at House 20, Road 27, Dhanmondi, runs until 9 October and is open to all from 10am to 8pm daily.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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