Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Aug 8, 2026 (BSS) - Member of Parliament from reserved women's seat-36 Advocate Rezeka Sultana Fency has called for widespread tree planting to protect ecological balance, combat climate change and build a livable Bangladesh for future generations.

"Trees provide oxygen, preserve biodiversity, maintain environmental balance and help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change," she said.

Fency made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the fortnight-long Divisional Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026 at Zilla School Ground in Rangpur city on Saturday.

The District Administration and the Social Forestry Department jointly organized the fair, featuring 65 stalls by nurseries and forest- and agriculture-based organizations.

Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin presided over the ceremony. Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Abdul Motaleb Sarkar, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Md Joynal Abedin, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension for Rangpur region Md Shirajul Islam and Divisional Forest Officer Md Nurul Islam were present as special guests.

Fency said organizing a tree fair alone was not enough; saplings purchased from the fair must be planted in suitable places and properly cared for until they grow.

"To turn tree plantation into a social movement, students, young people, public representatives, government and private institutions, and people from all walks of life must come forward," she said.

Later, saplings of different species were distributed as prizes among the winners of various competitions held as part of the fair. Certificates and prizes were also given to the first, second and third-place winners based on the exhibition and performance of participating nurseries.