News Flash
DHAKA, July 16, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam today called for turning the government’s programme to plant 250 million trees over the next five years into a national movement to ensure the successful implementation of the election pledge.
“There is no alternative to large-scale tree plantation for protecting the environment, conserving biodiversity and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change. Alongside the government, active participation of private institutions, educational institutions, social organisations and the common people must be ensured for the successful implementation of the programme,” he said.
The state minister said these while presiding over the second meeting of the support taskforce of the Cell formed to implement the 250 million tree plantation programme at the conference room of the ministry.
Faridul said the programme, undertaken to plant 250 million trees across the country over the next five years as part of implementing the government's election commitment, requires coordinated initiatives from all relevant ministries, divisions, local administrations and public and private institutions.
“This programme does not belong to the government alone; it is a programme for every citizen of the country. Therefore, everyone must come forward sincerely to turn it into a national movement,” he said.
The meeting discussed in detail the implementation strategy, distribution of responsibilities, monitoring mechanisms and ways to ensure the participation of various institutions.
It also stressed strengthening coordination among all relevant ministries, divisions and agencies.
The meeting was informed that responsibility would not end with planting saplings; proper care, conservation and regular monitoring of the trees after plantation must also be ensured.
Special emphasis was placed on preparing practical plans, selecting suitable species of saplings, identifying appropriate plantation sites and establishing long-term monitoring mechanisms.
Participants said the programme would play an important role in increasing the country's forest coverage, maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions.
They also expressed the view that it would help address various risks arising from climate change and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change (with the rank of Secretary) and Technical Expert Dr Md Saimum Parvez presented the technical aspects and implementation strategy of the programme.
He said the target could be achieved through scientific planning, the use of modern technology and effective coordination among the relevant institutions.
He stressed strengthening regular monitoring and evaluation systems to increase the survival rate of every planted tree.
At the meeting, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka Central University Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam highlighted the need to engage educational institutions, research organisations and the younger generation in environmental conservation.
Technical Expert Jamail Bashir JB emphasised extensive publicity and awareness campaigns to increase public participation and promote tree plantation.
Additional Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shamima Begum, Joint Secretary Shahanara Yasmin Lili, senior ministry officials and focal point officials from different ministries attended the meeting.
The meeting decided that the progress of the 250 million tree plantation programme would be reviewed regularly over the next five years and coordination among all relevant institutions would be further strengthened.
It was also decided that, alongside government initiatives, private institutions, educational institutions, social organisations and the common people would be engaged to ensure the success of the programme.
