Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is dissatisfied with irregularities in the government's tree plantation program, said Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Amin Ur Rashid on Saturday, warning that there is no scope for mismanagement as the premier personally monitors its progress.
The minister was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the National Tree Fair 2026 as the chief guest at the Comilla Town Hall ground.
Responding to journalists' questions over the prime minister's remarks about fewer trees being planted than officially claimed, Amin said a longstanding culture of corruption continues to persist among some people.
"The culture of looting that prevailed for a long time still remains among many people. But everyone must understand that the prime minister personally monitors the progress of the tree plantation program on a regular basis. Therefore, there is no room for any irregularities in this program," he said.
His remarks came two days after the prime minister expressed disappointment over discrepancies in the government's afforestation efforts.
Speaking at the inauguration of Environment Day and Environment Fair 2026 and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026 at the China Friendship International Conference Center in Dhaka on Thursday, Tarique Rahman said several hundred thousand trees had been felled during the construction of the Dulahazara-Cox's Bazar railway line.
Although authorities had claimed that 700,000 trees were planted as compensation, a subsequent review found that no more than around 200,000 trees had actually been planted, he said, calling the findings "truly unfortunate."
Amin also said the government is preparing assistance for farmers affected by the recent floods.
He said lists of affected farmers are being prepared at the union and ward levels across flood-hit areas, adding that the government will provide support once the verification process is completed.
Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, Deputy Commissioner Rozi Akter, Superintendent of Police Anisuzzaman and officials from various government departments attended the inauguration ceremony.
