Dhaka, October 15, 2026: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged government officials and people from all walks of life to go beyond their routine responsibilities and work collectively to protect the environment and forests for future generations. Report BSS
He made the call at a meeting to review the progress of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, held at the ministry’s conference room on Thursday.
The meeting decided to identify and conserve Bangladesh’s mother trees within six months, ensure proper care and monitoring of planted saplings, and explore opportunities to expand afforestation in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Expressing concern over Dhaka’s persistent air pollution, the Prime Minister described the situation as a matter of shame for the country and called for stronger public awareness and collective action.
Referring to the government’s plan to plant 250 million trees, he stressed that successful implementation would benefit the entire population. The meeting also decided that the ministry would take initiatives to compensate for any shortfall in tree-planting targets set for other ministries.
Tarique Rahman also called for more public spaces to enjoy nature and encouraged rooftop gardening, school gardens and greenery in other buildings. He emphasised the need for separate public awareness programmes to support environmental initiatives.
Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Dr Md Saimum Parvez, Acting Secretary Fahmida Khanom and senior officials attended the meeting.
