President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged the countrymen to plant and nurture at least one sapling each and turn tree plantation into a national responsibility and a social movement.
“Tree plantation is not merely a ceremonial programme; it is a national duty, a commitment to protecting the environment and a responsibility towards future generations,” he said.
The President made the call in a message issued on the eve of the ‘National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026’, scheduled to begin today.
He said trees play an indispensable role in conserving nature, protecting biodiversity and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.
“Besides providing oxygen, trees help maintain ecological balance, control pollution and reduce the impacts of natural disasters,” he added.
The Head of State said Bangladesh is facing various environmental challenges due to rapid urbanisation, shrinking forest areas, environmental pollution and climate change, making large-scale afforestation and greening initiatives essential.
He said the government has undertaken a programme to plant 25 crore trees across the country in the next five years.
The President said afforestation activities are being carried out in government forests, marginal lands, coastal belts and char areas, while a nationwide plantation campaign is being implemented simultaneously at 29,621 educational institutions under the ‘One Child, One Tree’ programme.
These initiatives would make significant contributions to building a greener, sustainable and prosperous Bangladesh, he hoped.
The President also congratulated the recipients of the ‘National Tree Plantation Award-2025’ and the ‘National Wildlife Conservation Award-2026’, as well as beneficiaries of social forestry programmes.
He wished the ‘National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026’ a overall success.
