DHAKA, Aug 6: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Thursday said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was the first national leader to champion a “Green Revolution” in Bangladesh through large-scale tree plantation, canal excavation and rural development initiatives.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Month-long Tree Plantation Programme 2026 in Dhaka-18 constituency at Nawab Habibullah Model School and College in Uttara, the minister said Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for a self-reliant and environmentally conscious Bangladesh by encouraging people to protect nature while strengthening the rural economy.
He also highlighted the contribution of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, saying she brought the national tree plantation campaign to people’s doorsteps by planting a mahogany sapling at Shalna in Gazipur in 1991. He added that she later launched the country’s first National Tree Fair in 1994.
Calling for greater public participation in afforestation, Mintoo urged every family, educational institution, youth and voluntary organisation to plant at least one tree and ensure its proper care. He expressed optimism that Bangladesh could achieve its target of increasing national tree cover to 27 percent by 2035 ahead of schedule through collective efforts. He also stressed the importance of implementing the government’s pledge to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque said trees are not only a source of oxygen but also play a vital role in protecting biodiversity, conserving the environment and reducing the impacts of natural disasters. He urged citizens to ensure proper maintenance of saplings after planting them.
Chairing the programme, Dhaka-18 lawmaker S M Jahangir Hossain said protecting planted trees is essential for safeguarding people’s future. He announced that extensive tree plantation drives would be carried out across the constituency.
Following the inauguration, the guests planted saplings of various fruit, timber and medicinal tree species to formally launch the month-long campaign. Under the programme, trees will be planted at educational institutions, roadsides, government and private establishments, religious institutions and other open spaces across Dhaka-18.
The event was attended by local elected representatives, leaders of social and voluntary organisations, BNP leaders and activists, journalists from print, electronic and online media, and a large number of local residents.
