10m saplings to be planted to mark Bangabandhu's birth centenary

Marking the centennial birth anniversary of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, some 10 million saplings will be planted across Bangladesh on 5 June, said environment, forest and climate change minister Md Shahab Uddin on Monday, reports UNB.

“Huge numbers of trees need to be planted for the sake of environment pollution control and also for safeguarding our existence,” said the minister.

He was speaking at a programme arranged to bid farewell to former secretary Abdullah Al Mohsin Chowdhury and welcome new secretary Ziaul Hasan NDC at the ministry’s conference room, said a PID handout.

Despite fruit-bearing, forest and herbal tree saplings being distributed, priority will be given on fruit trees, the minister said urging the authorities concerned to take effective measures for increasing the country’s forest cover including preservation of the Sundarbans mangrove forest.

“Laws will be implemented strictly and awareness to be created for ensuring congenial environment. As part of it, 350 brick kilns were demolished across the country during the last one month,” the minister said adding that the government is also working to eliminate the use of polythene and one-time plastic as per the directive of the High Court.

Among others, deputy minister Habibun Nahar also spoke on the occasion.