To earn as emphatic a title as gachh pagol DC (a deputy commissioner crazily inclined towards trees) may not be a dream of every civil servant of his rank. But it is no mean achievement either. Reports have it that the deputy commissioner of Sherpur District has earned this unusual ’distinction by virtue of his personal initiative for tree plantation in his administrative area. Sure enough, we need more of his kind of pagol (mad man). After the zamindars have become an extinct species with their overly demonstrated passion for trees — gardens in particular — it has become a rarity to find one among the elected rep resentatives or government officials displaying a comparable zeal.

In fact, we have seen more publicity than actual work done relating to tree plantation campaigns launched at different times in the country. Despite all the media exposure, none of the selfproclaimed tree-lovers has been , able to really take the movement forward. A DC should not be an ideal person to pursue a programme of tree plantation but with his type of a flair for it, his other* important administrative responsibilities are not likely to be a problem. It goes to his credit that he has nearly succeeded in turning tree plantation into a social movement within his administrative Jurisdiction.

Ataur Rahman Majumder, as a responsible government officer, is not expected to neglect his principal functions as DC. although he may be pretty much a self-possessed crusader for trees. For she who cooks also braids her hair.’ The DC, favourably disposed towards trees, might as well mind both his businesses quite seriously. But no matter how he fares as DC, he might as well be remembered for his contribution to the cause of trees. If he pursues his unfinished work after retiring from service, he might very well take the green movement in Bangladesh a precious bit forward.

We badly need a movement like the "Chika Andolon" organised by illiterate tribal people of a village in India. The way they saved trees in their neighbourhood Jungle is a lesson for educated people anywhere in the world.

The important thing about the DCs tree-mind-edness is that people have taken note of his interest and even recognised his contribution by following his example. Sherpur. however, is not the whole of Bangladesh nor one man's good worl? can make up for the senseless mayhem of trees still going on in the country. Other officers and social workers can take a cue from this man. When tree plantation truly becomes a social movement allowing the mute friends to grow to their maturity, the country will have achieved a lot.