DHAKA, April 10, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md. Abdur Salam said that 300,000 trees will be planted in areas under DSCC jurisdiction over the next five years. He made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a tree plantation programme, organised with the support of Srijoni Bangladesh, in the residential area of Dhaka University today. Addressing the event, the administrator said, "There is no alternative to tree plantation for saving lives. Therefore, the Prime Minister's nationwide tree plantation programme must be turned into a mass movement." He further said that in line with the Prime Minister's initiative, a total of 300,000 trees will be planted during the 2026-2030 period. On average, 60,000 trees will be planted each year. To achieve this target, DSCC has taken an initiative to establish a modern nursery under its own management. He also said that under an agreement with the Forest Department, the 'Zero Soil' project will be implemented, under which road medians and islands will be covered with grass and trees to turn them green. Emphasising public awareness, the administrator said, "If citizens become aware, 50 percent of the city corporation's work becomes easier. We will complete the remaining 50 percent. With everyone's collective efforts, the Prime Minister's vision of a 'Green City, Clean City' can be achieved." Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam attended the programme as a special guest. Alongside the plantation programme, the administrator also inaugurated a free freelancing training programme for students.

Rostom Ali Mandal DINAJPUR, April 10, 2026 (BSS) - Fish farmers have set an example in cultivating indigenous fish species in tanks in their homesteads, using modern methods, in Parbatipur upazila of the district. Dinajpur Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University Professor Dr. Md. Harun-ur Rashid said many fish farmers have gained a success in cultivating local fish species by setting up tanks in their homestead in some unions of Parbatipur upazila.  They have achieved success by cultivating fish using modern methods for a year, he said.  He said seeing the interest of these fish farmers, the Fisheries Faculty Department of the university advised them to cultivate fish on experimental basis using modern methods.  As per the advice, experimental activities of cultivating indigenous fish species were started by setting up tanks in their homesteads. Prof Harun-ur Rashid said in the first phase, farmers have been successful in producing fish using this method. Fish are being cultivated using this method in 105 tanks in several unions in Parbatipur upazila. Each tank, with a capacity of 20,000 to 25,000 liters of water, is about 4 to 4.5 feet high. This method, which is based on completely modern technology, is called 'Fish farming of high-value indigenous species in tanks in drought-prone areas'. Many people in the rural areas of the upazila have become self-sufficient by cultivating high-value local fish in tanks. It is much more profitable than other methods. During a recent visit to the spot, this correspondent found that Md. Zahidul Islam (35) of Paschim Habra village of Chandipur Union of Parbatipurbis cultivating high-value local fish species in tanks in his house. Koi, tilapia, sing (Heteropneustes) and magur fish are being cultivated in tanks. Not only Jahidul Islam, but many others, including retired school teacher Narul Islam (62) of Khamapara village in Parshabati Mominpur union, Amjad Ali (45) of Kalupara village in Palashbari union, are now cultivating high-value indigenous fish species in tanks using the same method.  A lot of profit is being gained by cultivating fish in this method. It is possible to produce fish two to three times a year in this method. As a result, more profit can be made in a short time. Female fish farmer Sahida Begum said when guests come to visit someone's house in the village, neighbours come to buy fish from them. "After 3 to 4 months, fish weighing 400 to 500 grams are produced from each tank. Each kg of fish is sold for Taka 300 to Taka 400." Rebeca Begum (35), who came from Chirirbandar upazila of the district to see fish farming in tanks, said she came from Tetulia village to see fish farming in Sahida's water tank.  "Until now, I knew that fish were raised in ponds. Now I see fish being raised in tanks. I will cultivate fish in tanks using this method in the future," she added.  Young entrepreneur Faruk Ahmed (32) from Jhikarpara area of ??Parbatipur Municipality has started cultivating fish using the tank method on rented land.  He is a veterinarian by profession. He established Parbatipur Agro Farm Fisheries 4 years ago with the financial and technical support of non-governmental development organization MBSK and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation.  He has three tanks with a capacity of 10,000 liters of water and three with a capacity of 30,000 liters of water. He is producing about 5000 to 7000 pieces of indigenous fish in each tank. Vietnam koi, tilapia and magur fish are being cultivated in these tanks. MBSK Fisheries Officer Md. Sirajul Haque said the cost of food in this method of fish farming is much lower than the conventional method.  "The fish production rate is much higher than in ponds or reservoirs. As a result of this method of cultivation, the fish grow rapidly, the quality of the fish improves and is healthy, and there is almost no fish mortality," he said.  Md. Faizur Rahman, Manager (Programme) of the Rural Karma-Sahayak Foundation, said this type of fish farming method is profitable for areas where there is no water in the pond during the dry season.  The water is filtered repeatedly in a specialised method and completely purified, making the fish usable, he said.  He said the main objective of this method is to produce more fish at a low density. "As a result, there is no opportunity for water to be wasted. In addition, adequate oxygen is provided for the fish." Md. Khaled Mosharraf, Senior Fisheries Officer of Parbatipur Upazila, said high-value fish are now being cultivated in tanks in Parbatipur municipality and five unions of the upazila.  "Many fish farmers do not have ponds. There is also no water in the ponds. But in this method, fish can be cultivated in a small amount of water in the tank,” he said.   "In this method, it is possible to increase the quality of water and control harmful bacteria that cause diseases. Fish farming using tank method has become popular in Parbatipur," he said.  District Fisheries Officer Md. Faizur Rahman said he went to the spot and saw successful fish farming using tank method in several villages in Parbatipur upazila.  He said such fish farming is a successful initiative with the cooperation of the Fisheries Department.