State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday accused the fascist government of large-scale deforestation and stressed the need for extensive tree planting to restore ecological balance and preserve the country’s green heritage.
Speaking at the inauguration of a tree plantation program at the Sadar Upazila Parishad premises, Tuku said Bangladesh has long been known as a lush, green country and that the government is committed to expanding forest cover through a nationwide afforestation campaign.
“Nearly 40 lakh trees will be planted in Tangail. The previous government destroyed large areas of forestland over the years. Trees provide oxygen and are essential for human survival, making afforestation a matter of great importance,” he told reporters after the event.
The state minister said the plantation drive is part of a national initiative announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years. The program includes the planting of fruit-bearing, medicinal and other indigenous tree species.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sanjay Kumar Mohanta, District BNP President Hasanuzzaman Shahin, former Senior Secretary Mahmudul Haque Sanu, Divisional Forest Officer Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahin Mia.
Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman formally launched the nationwide five-year tree plantation campaign in Cox’s Bazar, setting a target of planting 25 crore trees across Bangladesh.
