Save environment and humanity, protect biodiversity

As global warming caused by climate change increases, sea levels rise, and the environment faces unprecedented crises, Bangladesh's environment is suffering the most. In the name of development, forests and hills are being destroyed. Rivers and canals are being filled. Factories and brick kilns are springing up everywhere. Paved roads are being constructed through water bodies. Even the Sundarbans are not being spared from the ravages of development. Yet, it is the Sundarbans that protect Bangladesh from cyclones.

Yesterday, Wednesday (June 5), was World Environment Day. On the same day, news reports revealed that from March 2023 to April of this year, various government agencies across the country have cut down nearly 11 lakh 50 thousand trees in the name of development. Amid adverse natural events like heatwaves, thousands of trees are being cut down across various parts of the country. This information has emerged from a report by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC).

The organization reports that the Forest Department has been identified as the most "proficient" in cutting down trees. The report mentions a total of 25 government agencies. Additionally, private companies and influential individuals have also cut down trees. The actual number of trees felled is estimated to be three times higher than the report's statistics. Moreover, there is no accounting for the amount of underbrush, small plants, and biodiversity lost along with each tree.

Undoubtedly, this is alarming news. Cutting down even one tree in Bangladesh is almost tantamount to suicide, yet 11 lakh 50 thousand trees were cut down in just one year! This loss can never be compensated, even with social forestry initiatives. Because it will take time for the trees in social forestry to mature. On the other hand, analysts say that indiscriminate tree cutting, whether necessary or not, is making the environment increasingly warmer day by day.

The long-term consequences of tree cutting and deforestation are now being felt by the people of the country. To conserve trees, laws and comprehensive plans are needed. There is no way out of this situation without direct government intervention. Therefore, we earnestly appeal to the government: save the environment, save humanity, and protect biodiversity. Ensure that not a single tree is cut down in the name of development.

World Environment Day is celebrated globally on June 5 each year to raise environmental awareness. The day has been observed since 1974. Each year, it is celebrated in different cities with different themes. In Bangladesh, the day has been celebrated in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. This year, it was also observed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The theme for this year's World Environment Day is "Restoring Land, Stopping Desertification."

While Saudi Arabia is planting green gardens in the desert, a different kind of drought has hit our coasts. In 19 districts of the coast, the soil is already salty, on top of that, the water in 20,000 ponds has also become salty due to the tidal surge during Cyclone Rimal. That water is not suitable for drinking and agricultural purposes. Therefore, experts say, due to the increase in salinity, a different kind of drought-situation has been created in the coastal areas of the country. English.

The cyclone and tidal waves have damaged embankments, resulting in flooding in the coastal areas. We hope that the government will expedite the repair of damaged embankments to provide safe living conditions for the residents of these areas as soon as possible. Every citizen of the country will uphold double the awareness in environmental protection.