Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam. File photo

DHAKA, Aug 10, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam today expressed his determination to turn the DSCC area into green to protect environmental balance and make Dhaka a liveable city.

He said tree plantation programmes would be conducted daily in different areas of the city to reduce air pollution in the capital and restore nature to its previous state.

The administrator said this while addressing as the chief guest a programme for distributing and planting fruit-bearing, forest and medicinal saplings among students and guardians at Motijheel Government Boys’ High School here this morning.

The programme was organised by the DSCC and initiated by Poribesh Unnayan Sangstha-Bangladesh as part of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s priority programme on environmental conservation and addressing climate change.

The administrator said, “There are no longer as many trees and plants in Dhaka city as before. Dhaka is among the cities at the top of the world in terms of air pollution, which none of us wants. There is no alternative to planting more trees to keep the environment beautiful and keep city dwellers healthy.”

He said trees play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature, reducing carbon dioxide and supplying oxygen to people.

Recalling his childhood memories as a former student of Motijheel Government Boys’ High School, Abdus Salam said, “When I studied at this school, I saw beautiful gardens all around, but they are no longer there. Just as the Sundarbans protect Bangladesh as a natural shield during storms and cyclones, trees also keep us alive by providing oxygen.”

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had taken a far-sighted plan for environmental conservation even before coming to power. As part of this, an announcement has been made to plant 250 million trees across the country. 

However, more trees need to be planted to protect the country’s environment under the current circumstances.

The administrator said 500 saplings had already been distributed at Motijheel Government Boys’ High School and 500 saplings each had been distributed in every electoral constituency. 

Tree plantation was carried out in Kamrangirchar yesterday and tree plantation will be conducted in Khilgaon within the next two days. The programme will continue on a regular basis.

Addressing the students, he said the country’s leadership in the future would come from among them. Therefore, they have to prepare themselves accordingly from now on. 

He urged every student to plant at least one tree at home, on the roof or in a tub to protect the environment.

President of Poribesh Unnayan Sangstha-Bangladesh Professor Syeda Fatema Salam presided over the programme. Member of Parliament from Dhaka-7 constituency Hamidur Rahman Hamid and Motijheel Government Boys’ High School Acting Head Teacher Tahmina Yasmin were present as special guests.

At the end of the programme, the guests planted saplings on the school premises and handed over saplings of different species to students and guardians.