Khulna:A new forestation program, 'bKash Forest,' has been introduced in Khulna, allowing customers to support tree planting by growing virtual trees through digital transactions. The initiative was launched through a collaboration between Khulna City Corporation and bKash, with trees planted at Solar Park and Linear Park.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the inauguration ceremony featured Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Nazrul Islam Monju, Administrator of Khulna City Corporation. Key attendees included Rajib Ahmed, CEO of Khulna City Corporation, Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Khulna Circle, and Humayun Kabir, EVP of bKash.
The program aims to plant 25,000 trees across the city. Shaikh Faridul Islam emphasized the importance of selecting suitable tree species for each area and ensuring their maintenance. He also mentioned government efforts to encourage tree planting nationwide.
Nazrul Islam Monju highlighted the vulnerability of Khulna and the southern region to climate change impacts and the government's tree plantation efforts in coastal areas. He praised bKash's participation and hoped it would inspire other organizations to join in environmental protection initiatives.
This marks the first mobile financial app-based ecological initiative in the country. Users earn 'green points' through low-carbon actions like utility bill payments, which help grow virtual trees in the bKash app. Once mature, these virtual trees lead to real-world tree planting, enabling users to contribute to the environment through digital transactions.