DHAKA, May 18, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched the country's largest urban forest initiative using the Miyawaki method to restore ecological balance amid growing air, water and soil pollution in the capital.

The project was inaugurated this afternoon through tree plantation at a designated green belt area on the eastern side of Lake Park No. 11 near Bridge No. 4 in Diabari, Uttara.

DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan inaugurated the programme as the chief guest under the supervision of the Environment, Climate and Disaster Management Circle.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that although the benefits of trees are well known, such impactful urban initiatives are rarely implemented. 

He added that he would accord top priority to the project's implementation.

He further said that such green initiatives would have a positive impact on the physical and mental well-being of city residents, noting that the environment at the site itself provided a sense of relief.

In his welcome remarks, Superintending Engineer Abul Kashem said the urban forest would play a significant role in reducing pollution in Dhaka. 

He added that more than 39,000 trees will be planted under the project, which is part of a broader plan to plant 500,000 trees within five years.

The programme was chaired by Superintending Engineer Abul Hasnat Mohammad Ashraful Alam.

Earlier, 14,000 trees were planted at the same site in Phase-I (chainage 150 metres) between November 26, 2025 and January 15, 2026.