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PM asks foresters to take more care of trees

UNB, Dhaka
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday asked the officials of the Forest Department to be more cautious and active in safeguarding the country’s forest resources.
She regretted that depletion of forests still continues due to dishonesty of a section of officials and employees of the Forest Department.
"People are also aware that the competition for important postings in the Forest Department is not aimed only at... protecting the forest resources," shesnid.
The prime minister was speaking at the foundation laying function of 'Bon Bhaban,' the headquarters of the Forest Department, at Agargaon in the capital.
Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam, State Minister Zafrul Islam Chowdhury, Country Representative of the Asian Development Bank Toru Shibuichi, Environment and Forest Secretary Shoeb Ahmed and Chief Conservator of Forests M Anwarul
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Islam also addressed the function.
On arrival at the venue, the prime minister laid the foundation of the 'Bon Bhaban' and planted a 'neem' sapling on the premises.
Dhaka City Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, diplomats, representatives of various development agencies and a large number of environmentalists attended the function.
The prime minister said the trees and forests are "not only our resources, but also linked with our very survival."
"Therefore, the programmes of planting trees and afforestation are basically programmes for our own existence," shesaid.
The prime minister said the government has emphasised afforestation and tree plantation, as it can also alleviate poverty and expand national resources. "The role of forests in maintaining environmental balance is significant."
The very existence of human beings will be at stake without the presence of trees, she pointed out.
Reminding them of their responsibilities, the prime minister asked the forests officials to take up and implement specific afforestation and tree plantation programmes,
create mass awareness, utilise the research outcomes and protect the forest resources.
She said the country's first National Forests Policy was formulated in 1979 at the initiative of late president Zinur Rahman. He also initiate^ the 'community forestry programme' involving the poor people.
Following the footsteps of Ziaur Rahman, the BNP government adopted a 20-year master plan on forests in 1995, said the prime minister. She also mentioned the adoption of Social Afforestation Rules in 2004 by the government.
"The overall success of tree planting programmes cannot be expected (by) sitting In the offices," the pjime minister said directing the foreSt officials to act at the field level for encouragement and supervision of the programmes.
The planned 10-storied Bon Bhaban will have8,000 square meter of floor area and is expected to be completed by June 2006 at an estimated cost ofTk 18 crore. The Asian Development Bank will provide an assistance of Tk 13.18crore for the project.
Apart from die basement for car parking, the building in the first phase will be a four-storied one.