CHATTOGRAM, June 9, 2023 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today urged all including the people of Rangunia to plant at least three tree saplings by each as months of June-July are suitable for tree plantations.

 
"June and July months are suitable time for tree plantation. Everyone plant three trees wherever you will get land. You will also have to remain alert as none can cut trees unnecessarily," he said.

Dr Hasan recalled that Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged everyone to each plant at least three saplings-- medicinal fruits and wood bearing ones.

He was addressing, as the chief guest, the distribution of compensation cheque for the beneficiaries of the Forest Department's Sustainable Forestry and Livelihood Project, the families of victims and victims of wild elephant attacks.
 
The Forest Department of Chattogram South Forest Division organized the cheque distribution ceremony at Rangunia Upazila auditorium this evening.
 
Dr Hasan said after assuming office, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government took initiative of co-management for the protection of forest.
 
After increasing of forest resources through the method, the dividends of that money are being distributed among the locals who were involved in the co-management system.
 
The minister said he was given the charge of serving as the Minister of Forests and Environment by the Prime Minister from 2009 to January 2014.
 
"Later, I was the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Forests and Environment for five years. Basically these activities started at that time. When we first formed the government, we first introduced this system for helping those who were injured and killed in attacks of elephants," he said.
 
The information minister said cheques for over Tk 95 lakhs are being handed over to 377 tree plantation beneficiaries of the forest department and each gets Tk 25,200.
 
"It proves that if you plant a tree, it is converted into money," he added.
 
 
"We are people of hilly areas. We are getting these benefits from the government because we protect the forest. More 450 people of Rangunia will get this benefit. So I request everyone to plant as many trees as possible in this July-July month," he added.
 
Divisional Forest Officer of Chattogram South Forest Division Abdullah-Al-Mamun presided over the function while Chairman of Rangunia Upazila Parishad Swajan Kumar Talukdar and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ataul Gani Osmani, among others, addressed the function as special guests.