Photo: BSS

MYMENSINGH, June 13, 2026 (BSS) - Mymensingh District Council Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince today said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to protecting the environment of the country. 

“This commitment has reflected in the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 where the environment sector has been given the highest priority,” he said while inaugurating a tree-planting programme as the chief guest on Dak Bungalow premises in Dhobaura Upazila here.

The budget includes initiatives such as planting 250 million new trees over the next five years, addressing climate change, creating green employment opportunities, implementing the ‘One Child, One Tree’ programme and promoting environment friendly agriculture. These measures, he said, demonstrate the government's political commitment and long-term vision for environmental sustainability.

He also noted that while citizens, economists and intellectuals have generally responded positively to the proposed budget, leaders of Jamaat and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have expressed negative reactions.

He said that, in line with a decision by the Ministry of Local Government, the Mymensingh District Council will plant some 150,000 fruit-bearing, timber and medicinal saplings over the next 180 days. The saplings will initially be planted at district council-owned facilities and project areas across different upazilas of the district, he said, adding that the programme will continue in phases.

Referring to the proposed budget, Prince, also a Joint Secretary General of BNP, said economists have described it as ‘one of the most thoughtful budgets in recent times,’ aimed at building a humane economy and bringing dynamism to economic activities. He criticized opposition leaders for labeling the budget as anti-people and favoring plunder, claiming that such criticism ignores the country’s current realities and future needs.

He said the BNP formulates its policies by considering the problems facing the country and its people, as well as future development priorities. The party’s election manifesto was prepared on that basis and its implementation would help achieve the nation’s desired development goals, he added.

Prince described the first budget of the BNP government as people-oriented, employment-friendly and environmentally conscious. He said special emphasis has been placed on environmental conservation and addressing climate change risks alongside economic development.

“Tree planting has no alternative in tackling climate change and environmental crises,” he said, adding, “A tree not only protects the environment but also helps ensure a safe and livable planet for the future generations.”

Shah Kamrul Huda, Chief Executive Officer of the district council chaired the event whileProfessor Azharul Islam Kajol, Convener of Dhobaura Upazila BNP, freedom fighter Abdul Kader, Convener of the Upazila Freedom Fighters Command Council and senior joint convener of the Upazila BNP Moazzem Hossain Khan Liton, were present, among others.

After the function, Prince led a tree-planting drive at several important locations at Dhobaura including the Central Shaheed Minar, a mass grave site, cemeteries, a cremation ground, mosques, madrasas and other public places.