Calling for an immediate end to the cutting of hills and hillocks, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said that the people should focus more on roof gardening and social afforestation to boost the country's afforestation activities.
Huge afforestation works would be carried out in the hilly areas as the country must have 25% coverage to meet the ecological balance as per the target of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, he said.
The minister also warned that the government is in a strict position against the cutting of hills and hillocks.
He made the remarks while inaugurating National Fisheries Week, a weeklong tree plantation campaign and tree fair in Moulvibazar on Tuesday.
"On behalf of our ministry, 250 million trees will be planted. The trees will help bring rain and lower temperatures," he hoped.
According to the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 (amended in 2000), cutting hills without having approval from the environment authorities is prohibited.
Talking about the ban on polybags, he said that the government has already completely prohibited the bags in 40 upazilas in eight coastal districts.
"We'll enforce the ban gradually across the country," the minister said.
On the country's first market solely for the buying and selling of used polythene in Moulvibazar Municipality, Shahab Uddin said: "This is just a model market.
"We'll spread such markets throughout the country," he added.