Mirsarai entrepreneur Omar Sharif launches palm tree plantation drive to protect environment and reduce lightning risks. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 5, 2026 (BSS) - In an effort to protect the environment and reduce the risk of lightning strikes, young agricultural entrepreneur and nature lover Md Omar Sharif of Mirsarai, Chattogram, has launched an initiative to plant 2,300 palm trees along a 5-kilometre stretch of road in the upazila.

The initiative was inaugurated with a sapling plantation programme in the Chhattar Bhuiyarhat area of Katachra Union this afternoon.

Speaking at the programme, Mirsarai Upazila Agriculture Officer Pratap Chandra Roy said, "Palm trees play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance and are particularly important in reducing the impact of lightning strikes. Omar Sharif's timely and responsible initiative is truly commendable."

He urged local residents to take an active role in caring for the saplings to help protect the environment.

Omar Sharif said, "Every year, I take part in tree plantation programmes at various institutions. However, the incidence of lightning strikes has increased alarmingly. This initiative is part of the government's nationwide tree plantation campaign aimed at mitigating the impact of this natural hazard."
 
He said the palm saplings would be planted systematically along both sides of the 5-kilometre road from Thakurdighi to Chhattar Bhuiyarhat.
 
Members of civil society and political leaders participated in the programme organised by Omar Sharif, Managing Director of Zohra Agro Farms and Nursery.
 
Among others, former Mirsarai Upazila BNP Convener Advocate Aliul Kabir Iqbal and Katachra Union BNP Joint Convener Jahangir Alam were present.