Govt working for more afforestation, environmental development: PM

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DHAKA, June 15, 2021 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the government is working for more afforestaion to make the country greener and ensure environmental development.

“We are carrying out a social forestry campaign alongside the work of gardening and tree plantation at people’s homes across the country,” she said.

The Premier made this remark while inaugurating the Tree Plantation Campaign organized by Bangladesh Krishok League at her official residence Ganabhaban.

She said, “We want our afforestation would increase alongside ensuring environmental development in such ways . . . and our country would set an example globally.”

Sheikh Hasina with her daughter Saima Wazed Putul planted two saplings on Ganabhaban premise.

The Prime Minister, also the President of ruling Party Awami League, asked all associate bodies of her party including Krishok League, Jubo League, Sechwasebak League, Chhatra League, Mohila Awami League, Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad as well as leaders, activists, supporters and well wishers of Awami League and the people who believe in Mujib’s ideology to plant at least three trees.

“I urged all of you to plant a timber, a fruit bearing and an herbal tree,” she said, mentioning that the tree would return economic value and protect the environment as well as provide nutrition.

Sheikh Hasina said since 1983, Awami League and its associate bodies have been planting trees in Pohela Ashar (starting of the rainy season) with the initiative of Bangladesh Krishok League.

She also expressed her optimism on a massive tree plantation this year.

The Prime Minister said her government wants to carry out the country’s economic development keeping the environment safe and making the green Bangla greener.

“Our all efforts are for that development,” she said, referring to her government’s endeavor of raising afforestation to 22 percent from only 7 percent in 1996.

She said Awami League following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who made the country independent, always works for the welfare of the nation and its people.

“We want to build the country with the ideology of Bangabandhu and spirit of Liberation War,” she added.

Bangladesh Krishok League President Samir Chandra and General Secretary Umme Kulsum, among others, were present.