Unb, Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the people to go for massive plantation of trees to protect the country from the adverse impacts of climate change.

She was inaugurating the National Tree Plantation Campaign-2021 marking the World Environment Day.

“We will have to protect the environment. This country is ours. If we want to protect the country from the adverse impacts of climate changes, we will have to promote greenery further in this green Bengal [Sabuj Bangla],” the PM said.

Hasina launched the campaign by planting saplings at the Gono Bhaban.

Noting that she planted saplings, the premier called upon the people to plant trees in whatever places available there.

“Plant at least one sapling. But it would be best if you can plant three saplings. I want you to plant three saplings -- one for fruit, one for timber and one herbal.”

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin and Deputy Minister Habibun Nahar were present on the occasion.

This year, the National Tree Plantation Campaign is being observed with the theme “Mujib Borshe Angikar Kori, Sonar Bangla Sabuj Kori” aimed at motivating the people to make Bangladesh even greener in the Mujib Year.

The World Environment Day was observed across the world yesterday, with the theme “Ecosystem Restoration”.

Hasina said Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in afforestation as it has increased forest coverage to 22 percent, thanks to different measures taken by the government.

She mentioned that trees not only protect the environment, but also provide financial solvency and other benefits to the people.

The PM also called upon the people to take proper care of trees. “Only planting saplings is not enough. You’ll have to take care of these as well.”