Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today addressed a discussion marking World Wildlife Day 2026 as the chief guest at the Ban Bhabhan in Agargaon in the capital. Photo:PID

DHAKA, Mar 11, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today said the government will plant 25 crore trees across the country on a priority basis over the next five years.

He said this while addressing a discussion marking World Wildlife Day 2026 as the chief guest at the Ban Bhabhan in Agargaon in the capital.

The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a five-point plan titled "National Green Mission" to protect forests, wildlife and biodiversity.

This year's theme of the day is "Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Enhancing Health, Heritage and Livelihood."

The minister said that in line with the government's election manifesto, nearly 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals across the country will be excavated and re-excavated to help protect aquatic biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.

He also said environmentally harmful plastics and toxic industrial chemicals will gradually be banned and replaced with eco-friendly alternatives.

Recalling the initiatives taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to protect the environment, the minister said the Environment Pollution Control Project launched in 1977 later evolved into today's Forest Department.

He added that topics on environment and biodiversity conservation will be included in school curricula to raise awareness among future generations.

Abdul Awal Mintoo said about 200 hectares of mangrove plantations will be created in coastal char areas, while 1.1 million saplings will be planted along roads and embankments under social forestry programmes.

He also urged people to plant forest, fruit and medicinal trees around their homes.

Speaking as special guest, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam said there will be no compromise in protecting the resources of the Sundarbans.

Warning against fishing with poison in the Sundarbans, he said all ministries must work in coordination to ensure conservation of forests and wildlife.

Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury chaired the programme. Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed and IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative Bipasha S. Hossain also spoke as special guests.

Vice-Chancellor of Meherpur University Prof. Dr. Sheikh Bakhtiar Uddin and Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Zahidul Kabir presented keynote papers at the event.

Former Chief Conservator of Forests Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed, senior officials of the ministry, environmental experts and students were present at the programme.