BRAHMANBARIA, July 9, 2024 (BSS) - Housing and Public Works Minister R A M Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury today underscored the need for planting more trees saying that a livable city needs to have at least 25 percent forest area.

“There is no alternative to tree plantation to keep the world habitable and stable,” he said while addressing the inaugural session of the week-long (July 9-18) tree fair as the chief guest.

The tree fair was jointly organized by the Forest Department and the district administration at Bangabandhu Square in the city, a press release said.

Due to indiscriminate felling of trees, unplanned urbanization and industrialization, the forest coverage of this country has come down to 5/6 percent, he said.

Lauding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her government’s sincere contribution to bringing the country under the purview of green coverage, Muktadir said due to the premier’s timely decisions and multifaceted activities, the rate of tree plantation has increased in the country.
In continuation of that, the amount of forest land has reached 13/14 percent of the total area of ??the country, he added.

With Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Habibur Rahman in the chair, the tree fair programme was attended, among others, by Brahmanbaria Municipal Mayor Nair Kabir and Superintendent of Police Md Shakhawat Hossain.

Later, the minister also joined the ceremony of taking charge by the elected chairman, vice chairman and female vice chairmen at Brahmanbaria Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium here as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Muktadir urged Upazila Parishad Chairman and Vice Chairmen to work together as per the rules of the country.