Photo: BSS

KHULNA, June 13, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna-3 lawmaker and National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bakul today inaugurated a special tree plantation programme at Khalishpur Rotary School Ground, reaffirming his commitment to transforming Khulna into a green and clean city. 

The programme was jointly organised by the Khulna district administration and the Social Forestry Department as part of the government's nationwide initiative to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years.

The plantation drive in Khulna began immediately after the formal inauguration of the national programme by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Dulahazara in Cox's Bazar.

Under the initiative, a target has been set to plant 60,000 trees across Khulna city within the next 180 days.

Addressing the function as chief guest, Whip Bakul said the ambitious tree plantation programme reflects the Prime Minister's vision of building a greener, safer and more liveable Bangladesh for future generations.

He said the government's development strategy is not limited to infrastructure construction but also focuses on ensuring an environmentally sustainable future through large-scale afforestation and conservation efforts.

Highlighting the impacts of climate change, he said rising global temperatures, river erosion, droughts, cyclones and environmental pollution have become major threats to human life. "Extensive tree plantation is one of the most effective ways to address these challenges," he added.

Bakul noted that trees provide oxygen, shade, fruits and timber while also preserving biodiversity. He urged people to plant saplings and nurture them properly.

Calling for a nationwide green movement, he encouraged citizens to embrace the slogans "One Tree, One Life", "Green Bangladesh, Our Commitment" and "Plant Trees, Save the Country".

Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hoore Jannat chaired the discussion and plantation programme.

Among others, Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Zahidul Hasan, newly appointed KDA Chairman and Khulna City BNP President SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, Superintendent of Police Md Tajul Islam and Deputy Police Commissioner (South) Sudarshan Kumar Roy attended the event as special guests.