Dhaka, September 7, 2026: Environment, Forest and Climate Change State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam has called for coordinated efforts to turn tree planting into a sustainable social movement.
He made the remarks while chairing the third meeting of the support taskforce of the National Tree Plantation Cell formed to implement the government’s “250 million trees in five years” programme at the ministry’s meeting room at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.
The state minister said tree planting is crucial to tackling climate change, conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. He stressed that the focus should not only be on the number of saplings planted but also on their protection, maintenance and survival.
The meeting was informed that 51.49 million saplings are planned to be planted and maintained in 2026, including around 38.2 million produced by the relevant agencies and 13.3 million procured using their own funds. NGOs have separately planted around 2.5 million saplings, according to the NGO Affairs Bureau.
Sheikh Faridul Islam called for prioritising native fruit, forestry and medicinal species suited to local soil, climate and ecosystems. He also stressed planned plantation along rivers, canals, embankments, roads and railway lines, as well as prompt replacement of damaged saplings.
The meeting also emphasised preparing four-year maintenance and care plans for planted saplings to ensure their long-term survival.
