Khulna observes World Environment Day with rallies, plantation drives, discussions and environmental awareness programmes. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, July 9, 2026 (BSS) – World Environment Day was observed in Khulna here with rallies, tree plantation, sapling distribution, a discussion, prize-giving ceremony for a painting competition and other programmes under the theme: "Climate Change: Today's Action for Tomorrow's Safety."

Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Harun attended the discussion and prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest at the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner's Office.

Addressing the function, he stressed the need for immediate action to protect the environment, saying the government has planned to plant 250 million saplings over the next five years, including 50 million this year, as part of its environment-friendly initiatives.

He urged people from all walks of life to actively participate in tree plantation programmes, saying widespread public involvement is essential to make such initiatives successful.

The divisional commissioner also called on people to reduce the use of plastic, describing it as a major threat to the environment, and urged everyone to raise awareness about environmental protection from their respective positions.

Presided over by Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hoore Jannat, the programme was addressed, among others, by Khulna Range DIG Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan and Senior Consultant of Khulna 250-bed General Hospital Dr. Kazi Abu Rashed.

Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, head of the Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna University, presented the keynote paper, while Director of the Department of Environment's Khulna Divisional Office Khondaker Md. Fazlul Haque delivered the welcome address.

The programme was jointly organised by the Khulna Divisional Administration, Khulna District Administration and the Department of Environment.

Earlier in the day, a colourful rally was brought out from the premises of the Divisional Commissioner's Office and paraded through major city roads before ending at the starting point, with participation from people of different professions.