Rajshahi, July 26 (V7N) — A divisional tree fair has been inaugurated in Rajshahi with a call for extensive tree plantation to make the city greener, healthier, and more sustainable.
The fair was inaugurated on Saturday at the Nazrul Village premises adjacent to Rajshahi Central Botanical Garden and Zoo through a joint initiative of the Rajshahi District Administration and the Social Forestry Department.
Land Minister Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Minu, MP, attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest. The event began with a colourful rally followed by the release of balloons and festoons to mark the opening of the fair.
A total of 52 stalls have been set up at the fair, which will remain open daily from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Land Minister said Rajshahi has achieved success in various sectors, including tree plantation and healthcare, and stressed the need to maintain those achievements through continued efforts.
He called upon the Rajshahi City Corporation, government agencies, private organisations, and citizens to work together for large-scale tree plantation as part of planned urban development.
“Planting trees alone is not enough; they must be properly cared for to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.
The programme was chaired by Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam.
Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rajshahi Range) Ashiq Saeed, Police Superintendent Naimul Hasan, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Foyezul Kabir, District Council Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, and Additional Divisional Commissioner Habibur Rahman attended the event as special guests.
Speaking at the programme, Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said the city authority has taken an initiative to plant 250,000 trees within the next year as part of the government’s tree plantation programme.
He said the first phase of the initiative, involving nearly 100,000 saplings, has already started and will continue as part of efforts to increase greenery across Rajshahi.
Riton said improving cleanliness, controlling mosquitoes, removing waste and mud, expanding tree plantation, and increasing greenery are among the priorities for developing Rajshahi into a cleaner and healthier city. He sought cooperation from residents to achieve these goals.
Divisional Forest Officer Dr Md Jahangir Alam delivered the welcome speech, while Forest Conservator Md Subedar Islam and representatives of nursery owners also addressed the event.
Speakers said extensive tree plantation is essential for maintaining environmental balance, reducing the impacts of climate change, and creating a greener and more liveable Bangladesh for future generations. They urged everyone to plant at least one tree and ensure proper care.
Earlier, a colourful rally started from the gate of Rajshahi Central Botanical Garden and Zoo and ended at Nazrul Village.
Government officials, public representatives, students, scouts, nursery owners, environmental activists, and local residents participated in the inauguration programme.
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