Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set a target of planting 25 crore trees in the country over the next five years, and the tree fair has been organised as part of meeting that target, parliamentary whip Alhaj GK Gous MP said at the launch of a tree-planting campaign and tree fair in Habiganj.

"To protect the environment and build a liveable Bangladesh for future generations, everyone must plant at least one tree, and must also make sure the trees are cared for," he said. "Planting trees is the only way to escape the harmful effects of climate change. Everyone must stay alert so that no one can fell trees."

He was speaking as chief guest at a views-exchange meeting held on the afternoon of Sunday, 26 July, to mark the opening of the campaign and fair.

GK Gous opened the fair at Nimtala in the deputy commissioner's office compound by releasing balloons and cutting a ribbon, and also planted a neem sapling. Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sarfaraz presided. Special guests were Superintendent of Police Md Tarek Mahmud, Sylhet Forest Division's divisional forest officer Mohammad Abdur Rahman and district BNP joint convener Haji Enamul Haque.

The district administration and the Forest Department organised the fair to help keep the environment in balance, tackle the effects of climate change and expand green cover. A colourful rally was later brought out in the town. The fair will run for seven days.

Fifteen stalls are displaying and selling fruit, timber, medicinal and flowering plants of different species. Officials of the district administration, Forest Department, police and other government offices, and leaders of political, social and cultural organisations attended the opening.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.