PM announces nationwide plantation of 25 lakh trees in five years

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday (July 13) announced an ambitious plan to plant 250 million trees across Bangladesh over the next five years, aiming to expand the country's green cover and strengthen environmental resilience.

The announcement came as the prime minister inaugurated a tree plantation programme on the banks of the Sarikal Canal in Batajor Union under Gournadi upazila during his first official visit to Barishal since assuming office.

Highlighting the government's long-term environmental vision, Tarique Rahman said the nationwide campaign aims to "cover the country in a green blanket" over the next five years.

He urged people from all walks of life to complement the government's efforts by planting at least one fruit-bearing, timber or medicinal tree.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister left his official residence on Gulshan Avenue in Dhaka around 6:00am and arrived in Barishal by road at approximately 9:30am.

Besides launching the plantation drive, he also took part in a family card distribution programme.

According to his itinerary, the premier will later join a second phase of the plantation campaign at the Sagardi Canal near the Trish Godown Memorial in Barishal city, where he is scheduled to plant saplings of Barishal's GI-recognised hog plum and coconut trees.

In the afternoon, Tarique Rahman is expected to attend an organisational meeting with senior leaders of the BNP and its affiliated bodies at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy.

Party sources said no arches, banners or festoons were erected to welcome the prime minister, following party directives aimed at avoiding public inconvenience. Instead, supporters planned to form a human chain along nearly 40 kilometres of road from Gournadi to Barishal city to greet him in an orderly manner.