Local MP Dr Abu Reza Muhammad Nezamuddin Nadvi has launched a programme to plant one lakh tree saplings in Lohagara, Chattogram.

He inaugurated the programme at the upazila public hall on Wednesday morning (12 July). At the event, presided over by Lohagara upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Sharif Ullah, about 40,000 saplings were handed out to all secondary-level students and the guests present.

Speaking as chief guest, Dr Nadvi said: "To protect our environment from natural disasters, we must plant more and more trees and increase forest cover. Everyone must work to protect the environment by raising public awareness widely."

He said that under the Prime Minister's able leadership the country has become a role model for development and has carried out big projects. There is no alternative to planting trees to keep the country green, he said, because trees give us oxygen, and that oxygen helps keep us alive.

UNO Sharif Ullah said that to protect the country from the harmful effects of global climate change and from various natural disasters, we must give the greatest attention to protecting the environment. Tree planting is an essential task if we are to leave a liveable world for the next generation, he said.

About 40,000 saplings were handed out on the opening day, and one lakh saplings will be distributed and planted in phases this season at the initiative of the upazila administration, he said.

The event, moderated by Lohagara upazila secondary education officer Nurul Islam, was attended by upazila parishad vice-chairman M Ibrahim, upazila assistant commissioner (land) Md Shahjahan, upazila health officer Dr Mohammad Hanif, Lohagara police station inspector (investigation) Md Saiful Islam, and Lohagara Press Club president and freedom fighter Nurul Islam.

Reported by Iqbal Hossain.

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