Rajshahi: A program to plant one thousand palm tree saplings has been inaugurated in Rajshahi to address the increasing lightning strikes across the country and to protect the climate and biodiversity. Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Forum (NBCF) and the Center for Global Environment and Development (CGED) jointly initiated the program as part of a nationwide effort to plant one lakh tree saplings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the environmental organizations have planned to plant saplings in various educational institutions, including schools, colleges, madrasas in Rajshahi, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, and Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Additionally, saplings will be planted on the banks of the Padma River. The program was inaugurated today by planting palm tree saplings on the premises of Rajshahi Medical College.
Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, MP, attended the event as the chief guest, with the program being presided over by Principal of Rajshahi Medical College, Professor Dr. Khondkar Md. Faisal Alam. Among the invited guests were Rajshahi City Corporation Secretary Sohel Rana, Principal of Rajshahi Institute of Health Technology Professor Dr. Mirza Mohammad Wasi Parvez, Executive Director of CGED Dr. Abdul Wahab, President of NBCF Professor Dr. BK Dam, and Principal of Rajshahi Government Survey Institute Amirul Islam.
Following the inauguration, the minister distributed palm tree saplings to the heads of various educational institutions in Rajshahi, marking the start of the planting initiative aimed at reducing the risk of lightning strikes and enhancing biodiversity in the region.