Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged citizens and government officials to actively engage in environmental protection efforts, emphasizing the need to go beyond routine duties to ensure a sustainable future for Bangladesh. During a meeting at the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, he highlighted the importance of individual contributions towards building a livable environment for future generations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting resolved to identify and conserve the country's mother trees within six months and emphasized the care and monitoring of planted saplings. It also explored expanding afforestation efforts in the Chattogram Hill Tracts. The Prime Minister stressed raising public awareness to complement government initiatives, which would facilitate easier environmental protection efforts.
The Prime Minister addressed concerns about air pollution in Dhaka, noting its notorious ranking among the world's most polluted cities. He called on officials to transcend their typical responsibilities and contribute beyond standard office hours, urging them to take personal responsibility for improving the environment. He highlighted the government's plan to plant 250 million trees and underscored the collective benefits if the program is implemented successfully.
The meeting concluded with a decision that the Environment and Forest Ministry would address any shortfalls in tree-planting targets unmet by other ministries, ensuring regular care and monitoring of planted trees. The session was attended by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Saimum Parvez, Acting Secretary Fahmida Khanom, and other senior officials.