Kalaroa: Speakers at a tree plantation programme said there is no alternative to extensive afforestation to protect the environment and tackle the adverse impacts of climate change. They emphasized the importance of widespread participation in a tree-planting movement to create a sustainable and greener planet for future generations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the remarks were made at the inauguration ceremony of an upazila-wide programme to plant 5,000 trees, organized by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation at the Kalaroa Government Primary School premises. The event was chaired by Arifuzzaman Mamun, founder and chairman of the Climate Action and Justice Foundation, and moderated by Alamgir Kabir, assistant director of the Open University and trustee of the foundation.
Vice Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh Dr. Mizanur Rahman, who attended as the chief guest, highlighted the long-term benefits of the tree plantation programme. He stated that increased tree planting is essential to mitigate rising temperatures, natural disasters, and air pollution. Dr. Rahman stressed that tree plantation is crucial for building a livable world for future generations.
Former Kalaroa mayor and Satkhira district BNP joint convener Akhtarul Islam noted Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change and called for a social movement to protect the environment. He praised the Climate Action and Justice Foundation’s initiative and urged families to plant trees annually to effect significant environmental changes.
Climate Action and Justice Foundation’s founder Arifuzzaman Mamun expressed concern over the increasing severity of climate change impacts, particularly in coastal areas. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and social initiatives in environmental protection, noting that the programme aims to instill environmentally friendly values in the new generation.
Sheikh Rezaul Karim, registrar of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, pointed out the interconnectedness of agriculture and the environment, stressing that tree plantation in educational institutions can foster awareness among students. He advocated for both government and private sector involvement in environmental conservation efforts.
Asaduzzaman Milon, Vice President and CGM of Al-Arafah Islami Bank, underscored the necessity of environmental protection as a fundamental human duty. He called for the expansion of tree plantation initiatives and encouraged corporate participation in environmental conservation as part of their social responsibility, aiming for a greener and safer Bangladesh.