Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today attended the inaugural ceremony of the "Better Dhaka  District Initiatives" in Savar. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, July 12, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser 
Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said the ongoing development in Bangladesh can only 
be sustainable if a large number of trees are planted regularly.

"If we destroy nature, nature will not protect us," she warned.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the "Better Dhaka 
District Initiatives" in Savar, the environment adviser said tackling the 
severe air, noise, and dust pollution in Dhaka and surrounding areas requires 
immediate action.

"Planting trees is the first step toward change. But it is not enough to just 
plant trees-- we must also take responsibility for their care and 
protection," she added.

The daylong tree plantation programme, organised by Dhaka District 
Administration, was held under the slogan: "Let Savar live in green, let a 
thousand dreams fly in the blue sky".

As part of the initiative, one lakh saplings were planted across Savar in a 
single day to support environmental and ecological conservation, a ministry 
press release said. 

The environment adviser further stated that in order to reduce air pollution, 
the government is planning to declare a ban on the establishment and 
operation of brick kilns in Savar and surrounding areas. 

She also called for a nationwide effort to phase out harmful polythene and 
single-use plastics and urged citizens not to burn waste indiscriminately. 

To combat noise pollution, she appealed to drivers to refrain from playing 
unnecessary honking.

"Sustainability does not end with tree planting," she remarked, "It requires 
active participation from the public in all efforts to protect the 
environment and biodiversity."

The event was chaired by Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed.

Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Divisional Forest 
Officer Mahmuda Roksana, Director of the Department of Environment Abul Kalam 
Azad and Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abubakar Sarkar were present as 
special guests in the event.

Following the formal session, the environment adviser planted a jackfruit 
sapling in the courtyard of Savar Upazila Parishad to inaugurate the mass 
tree plantation programme.

Later, she briefed journalists, reiterating that the government will continue 
legal action against polluters.