Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the people to plant trees to protect Bangladesh from the adverse effects of climate change. "I want Bangladesh not to suffer any harm because of climate change. That is why I am asking everyone to plant trees," she said.

She made the call while planting trees on the Gono Bhaban grounds on 5 June, World Environment Day.

"I call on everyone to protect Bangladesh's environment, because it is our duty to protect the country from the adverse effects of climate change. Today, on World Environment Day, I have planted trees. I hope everyone in the country will follow this," she said.

As part of the inauguration of Environment Fair 2023 and the National Tree Planting Campaign and Tree Fair 2023, the Prime Minister planted three saplings on the Gono Bhaban grounds that day.

Sheikh Hasina said tree planting programmes were being carried out on a large scale so that Bangladesh becomes more beautiful, green and developed.

In view of rising prices around the world, the Prime Minister urged people to plant trees everywhere to grow fruit, vegetables and other crops, and to bring every area under production.

Noting that many developed countries are also struggling with high global inflation, she said the government would do everything it could to protect the people from the crisis.

"I want to request everyone in the country to plant three trees, and if that is not possible, at least plant one," she said. She asked students to plant trees on school, college and university grounds.

The Prime Minister said her party, the Bangladesh Awami League, began its tree-planting programme in 1985 after deciding on it in 1984, and gave Bangladesh Krishak League the task of carrying it out. Awami League leaders and workers have been told to plant at least three saplings, of timber, fruit and herbal trees.

The Awami League president added that, as in previous years, her party would start its tree-planting campaign on the first day of the month of Asharh.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, Environment Minister Md Shahab Uddin, Deputy Minister for Environment Habibun Nahar, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prime Minister's Office secretary Mohammad Salahuddin and Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed were among those present.

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