Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on schoolchildren to plant at least one tree every year and nurture it, saying the younger generation must lead the effort to build a greener, healthier and more sustainable Bangladesh.
“Wherever you think a tree can be planted—whether at your school or near your home—I request every one of you to plant at least one tree every year,” he said after inaugurating the nationwide tree plantation programme at government primary schools by planting a sapling at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon.
The Prime Minister formally launched the programme under the government’s “One Child, One Tree” initiative.
Addressing students and teachers connected virtually from schools across the country, Tarique Rahman encouraged children not only to plant trees but also to learn about them.
He urged students to use the internet and other educational resources to find out the species of the tree they planted, how long it would live, how much oxygen it would produce and how it would benefit people and the environment.
“You will learn something new about a tree every year. And when the trees grow, you will enjoy their shade at school after playing with your friends or the cool breeze around your home,” he said.
Calling for a nationwide movement to increase greenery, the Prime Minister said everyone should work together to make Bangladesh greener for future generations.
As part of the programme, 193,761 saplings were planted across participating government primary schools, with three trees planted at each school.
Officials said 915 schools were unable to participate due to natural disasters.
Under the “One Child, One Tree” initiative, government primary schools are expected to plant nearly one crore trees over the next five years.
Following the inauguration, the programme featured exhibitions highlighting various initiatives and innovations in primary education from all 64 districts.
The exhibitions showcased programmes on school feeding, joyful learning, digital education, Foundational Learning (FLN) and other educational initiatives being implemented across the country.
The Prime Minister visited the exhibition stalls, interacted with students and praised their creativity and innovative ideas.
