Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged every student in Bangladesh to plant at least one tree each year, calling on the younger generation to take the lead in protecting the environment, keeping the country clean, and building a nation driven by science and innovation.
He made the remarks yesterday while addressing the National Startup, Science Project and Innovative Idea Exhibition, National Science Festival, and Award Ceremony at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.
At the beginning of his speech, the prime minister said he had planted a sapling before entering the venue. Simultaneously, a nationwide tree-planting campaign was launched at 29,600 locations through online coordination.
"Today, around 90,000 saplings have been planted across the country. It is a good beginning. But I want this initiative to continue throughout the year instead of remaining limited to a single day," he said.
Addressing students, Tarique Rahman said the government would ensure the opportunities and support necessary to help them grow into confident citizens.
"If you become confident, we will also be able to govern the country with greater confidence. In return, I ask only one thing—each of you should plant at least one tree every year," he said.
He encouraged students to plant trees wherever possible—at their schools, colleges, playgrounds, or around their homes—and to nurture them as they grow.
'Tree planting is essential for clean air'
Explaining the importance of tree planting, the prime minister said rapid population growth, urbanization, and the increasing number of vehicles had led to the loss of many trees, contributing to worsening air pollution.
"If we do not act now, breathing clean air will become increasingly difficult in the future," he warned.
"Plant a tree, even if only for yourself. As the tree grows, you will grow too. One day, you will realize that the tree has become your best friend," he added.
Sharing a personal experience, Tarique Rahman said he often spends time looking at trees while reflecting on ideas.
"I have large trees around my residence in Dhaka, and I also had them when I lived in London. Looking at trees helps me think, plan, and reflect. It has become a personal habit," he said.
"When trees sway in the wind, the sight is truly beautiful. If you plant a tree with your own hands and watch it grow, I believe you will experience the same feeling."
'Keep the country as clean as your own home'
The prime minister also stressed the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
"We admire the cleanliness of cities abroad, but it is we who make our streets dirty. No one from outside comes here to litter," he said.
He urged students to help keep their neighbourhoods clean and to politely discourage anyone from littering in public places.
"It is not enough to leave this responsibility solely to city corporations or municipalities. Just as we all keep our own homes clean, we should consider the entire country our home," he said.
He added that a cleaner environment, combined with more tree planting, would create a better atmosphere for innovation, research, and technological advancement.
'The responsibility of building the nation now belongs to the youth'
Highlighting the role of young people, Tarique Rahman said the future of Bangladesh rests in the hands of the next generation.
"Our time is gradually coming to an end. I am now 60 years old. The future belongs to you. We can only lay the foundation, but it is your responsibility to take the country forward," he said.
He expressed hope that students would build a knowledge-based, modern, and sustainable Bangladesh through science, technology, research, and innovation.
Awards presented, programmes inaugurated
During the programme, the prime minister inaugurated a nationwide tree-planting campaign for secondary school students, along with the National Startup, Science Project and Innovative Idea Exhibition.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife, Zubaida Rahman, presented the "Innovative Talent Award" to students from different educational institutions. St Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka emerged as the champion of this year's competition.
Later, commemorative crests were presented to the prime minister and Zubaida Rahman.
Among those present at the event were Education Minister Dr A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon, the prime minister's education adviser Mahdi Amin, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khalek, Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, students from various educational institutions, startup entrepreneurs, and representatives of government and private organizations.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the venue, the prime minister was accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC). He later inspected the guard of honour and delivered a brief address to BNCC members.