DHAKA, July 16, 2026 (V7N) – 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 made the remarks while presiding over the second meeting of the support taskforce of the Cell formed to implement the 250 million tree plantation programme at the ministry's conference room.
Faridul said the programme, undertaken as part of 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 the implementation strategy, distribution of responsibilities, monitoring mechanisms, and ways to ensure participation of various institutions. It 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 must also be ensured. Special emphasis was placed on preparing practical plans, selecting suitable species, identifying appropriate plantation sites, and establishing long-term monitoring mechanisms.
Participants said the programme would play an important role in increasing forest coverage, maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, addressing climate change risks, and contributing to achieving the SDGs.
Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Md Saimum Parvez presented the technical aspects and implementation strategy, saying the target could be achieved through scientific planning, modern technology, and effective coordination. He stressed strengthening regular monitoring and evaluation to increase the survival rate of planted trees.
Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka Central University Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam highlighted the need to engage educational institutions, research organisations, and the younger generation. Technical Expert Jamail Bashir JB emphasised extensive publicity and awareness campaigns to increase public participation.
Additional Secretary Shamima Begum, Joint Secretary Shahanara Yasmin Lili, senior ministry officials, and focal point officials from different ministries attended. The meeting decided that progress would be reviewed regularly over the next five years, and coordination among all relevant institutions would be further strengthened, with private institutions, educational institutions, social organisations, and the common people engaged to ensure success.
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