The Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo, has announced that the government will plant 250 million trees across the country over the next five years as part of a national environmental initiative.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking World Wildlife Day 2026 at the Forest Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday (March 11), the minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has introduced a five-point programme called the “National Green Mission” to protect forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. The tree plantation program will be implemented nationwide on a priority basis under this mission. The event’s theme this year was “Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Improving Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods.”
The minister also stated that, according to the government’s election manifesto, around 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals will be excavated and re-excavated across the country to help protect aquatic biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. At the same time, the government plans to gradually ban environmentally harmful plastics and toxic industrial chemicals, replacing them with environmentally friendly alternatives.
Recalling environmental initiatives taken by former president Ziaur Rahman, he noted that the Environment Pollution Control Project launched in 1977 eventually led to the establishment of today’s Bangladesh Forest Department. He added that environmental protection and biodiversity conservation will be included in school curricula to raise awareness among future generations. According to him, the prime minister has also recognized environmental protection as a political priority.
Abdul Awal Mintoo further said that the government plans to create about 200 hectares of mangrove plantations in coastal char areas and plant 1.1 million saplings along roads and embankments under social forestry programs. He urged citizens to plant timber, fruit, and medicinal trees around their homes.
Speaking as a special guest, the State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sheikh Faridul Islam, said that the government will make no compromise in protecting the resources of the Sundarbans. He also warned that poisoning fish inside the Sundarbans must stop immediately and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among all ministries to protect forests and wildlife.
The event was chaired by Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests. Special guests included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed and Bipasha Saha Hossain of International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Thematic papers were presented by Sheikh Bakhtiar Uddin, Vice-Chancellor of Meherpur University, and Zahidul Kabir. The program was attended by former Chief Conservator of Forests Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed, senior ministry officials, environmental experts, and students.
