Photo : BSS

BAGERHAT, July 11, 2026 (BSS)-State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam today said that every parents  should plant  at least one tree  after birth of their child  as trees are an inseparable part of human life.

"Trees are an integral part of our lives, to protect the environment and biodiversity, the government has undertaken an initiative to plant 250 million trees over the next five years, the state minister said. 

“Every newborn should have at least one tree planted in their name," he said these remarks while inaugurating a week-long tree plantation campaign and tree fair at District Council Auditorium here.

The event was organized under the theme, "Let's Beautify the Country Through Tree Plantation, Bangladesh First."

He said protecting the environment is not solely the responsibility of the government but a moral duty of every citizen. 
He also urged the people to plant timber, fruit-bearing and medicinal trees along roadsides, in educational institutions and around their homes to ensure a greener and safer Bangladesh for future generations.

Highlighting the waste management as a major challenge, the State Minister warned against turning the country into a dumping ground.

"We must not allow the entire country to become a dustbin. Everyone has to play their part in maintaining a clean and healthy environment," he said.

Calling for greater environmental awareness among the schoolchildren, he said environmental education should begin at home and in schools, adding that children should develop the habit of planting trees from an early age.

Earlier, the State Minister led a colorful rally in the town, which concluded at the District Council premises. He later visited various stalls at the tree fair along with other guests.

The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten. Among others, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar, Executive Magistrate Joydeb Chakraborty, Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mosammat Atiya Khatun, District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim, Member Secretary Mozzaffar Rahman Alam and District Secondary Education Officer Sadekul Islam were present at that time.

Divisional Forest Officer of the Social Forestry Division Md. Shahin Kabir told BSS that the tree fair will remain open from July 11 to July 17, operating daily from 9am to 9pm, featuring exhibitions and sales of various species of saplings.