Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a safe and livable Bangladesh for future generations by giving equal importance to development and environmental protection.
In a message issued on the eve of the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026, to be observed tomorrow, the Prime Minister said the government is firmly committed to building a green, climate-resilient, environment-friendly and sustainable Bangladesh under the vision of “Bangladesh First.”
“Building a safe and livable country for future generations by giving equal importance to development and environmental protection is our commitment,” he said.
Describing the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair as a timely and significant initiative, Tarique Rahman said this year’s theme, “Let’s Decorate the Country through Tree Plantation, Bangladesh First (Brikkho Roponey Sajai Desh, Sobar Agey Bangladesh),” reflects the nation’s commitment to environmental conservation.
He noted that global warming continues to intensify due to the adverse impacts of human activities, posing serious threats to nature and human life worldwide.
Highlighting the role of trees in combating climate change, the Prime Minister said trees absorb atmospheric carbon, reduce excessive heat, maintain ecological balance and help keep the environment clean.
To address these challenges, he said, the government has undertaken a landmark programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years.
“This is not merely a government programme; rather, it is a national movement,” he said.
The Prime Minister said people across the country, including students and educational institutions, are being engaged in tree plantation and maintenance along roadsides, railway tracks, embankments, government forestlands, coastal chars, urban areas and around homesteads.
He praised initiatives encouraging students to participate in urban afforestation and the free distribution of quality saplings, saying these efforts would help mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen the country’s foundation for sustainable development.
“A prosperous economy and green forests are closely interrelated. Forests and tree plantation play an important supporting role in building a dynamic and promising green economy,” he said.
Calling upon people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, to take part in nationwide afforestation efforts, the Prime Minister urged them to plant trees in every suitable location, including around homes, on fallow and marginal lands, along canals, riverbanks, embankments, roadsides, road medians, rooftops and in both urban and rural areas.
He expressed hope that visitors to the Tree Fair would have the opportunity to collect quality saplings while students would gain practical knowledge about plant diversity.
Urging every citizen to plant at least one tree and ensure its proper care, the Prime Minister said such collective efforts would help build a healthy, beautiful, clean and safe Bangladesh for future generations.
He also congratulated the recipients of the National Tree Plantation Award-2025, the National Wildlife Conservation Award-2026, and beneficiaries of the social forestry profit-sharing programme.
The Prime Minister wished the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026 every success.
