Dhaka, Aug 10 (V7N) – Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam today expressed his determination to turn the DSCC area into a green zone to protect environmental balance and make Dhaka a liveable city, announcing that tree plantation programmes would be conducted daily across the capital.
"There are no longer as many trees and plants in Dhaka city as before. Dhaka is among the cities at the top of the world in terms of air pollution, which none of us wants. There is no alternative to planting more trees to keep the environment beautiful and keep city dwellers healthy," he said while addressing a sapling distribution and plantation programme at Motijheel Government Boys' High School this morning.
The programme, organised by the DSCC and initiated by Poribesh Unnayan Sangstha-Bangladesh, is part of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's priority programme on environmental conservation and addressing climate change.
The administrator said trees play an important role in maintaining nature's balance, reducing carbon dioxide and supplying oxygen to people. Recalling his childhood memories as a former student of the school, he said, "When I studied at this school, I saw beautiful gardens all around, but they are no longer there. Just as the Sundarbans protect Bangladesh as a natural shield during storms and cyclones, trees also keep us alive by providing oxygen."
He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had taken a far-sighted plan for environmental conservation even before coming to power, including an announcement to plant 250 million trees across the country. However, he emphasised that more trees need to be planted to protect the environment under current circumstances.
Abdus Salam said 500 saplings had already been distributed at Motijheel Government Boys' High School and 500 saplings each in every electoral constituency. Tree plantation was carried out in Kamrangirchar yesterday and will be conducted in Khilgaon within the next two days, with the programme continuing on a regular basis.
Addressing the students, he urged every student to plant at least one tree at home, on the roof or in a tub to protect the environment, adding that the country's future leadership would come from among them and they must prepare accordingly from now on.
President of Poribesh Unnayan Sangstha-Bangladesh Professor Syeda Fatema Salam presided over the programme. Member of Parliament from Dhaka-7 constituency Hamidur Rahman Hamid and Motijheel Government Boys' High School Acting Head Teacher Tahmina Yasmin were present as special guests.
At the end of the programme, the guests planted saplings on the school premises and handed over saplings of different species to students and guardians.
