Today, 5 June, is World Environment Day. This year's theme is "No more plastic pollution, now is the time to stop it". The day is observed around the world to protect the environment and raise awareness of climate.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has marked the day on 5 June every year since 1973, in line with a decision of the 1972 international conference on the human environment.

Because 5 June is a public holiday this year, Bangladesh will hold its state celebration of the day on 25 June, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said. The main event will be held that day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus will attend as chief guest. He will open the national tree plantation campaign, a month-long tree fair and an environment fair, and will present national awards for contributions to environmental and wildlife conservation.

Despite the delay in the government programme, various environmental organisations and NGOs are holding programmes for the day from today. Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh have organised tree planting, drawing competitions, rallies, discussion meetings and gatherings across the country.

At the same time, Mission Green Bangladesh, together with 64 environmental organisations, has started a simultaneous tree-planting programme in every district. At least 100 trees will be planted in each district, at schools, religious institutions and homes, and saplings will also be given to poor families as gifts. Human chains and publicity campaigns will be held in district towns to raise public awareness.

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