Kalaroa: Speakers at the inauguration of a tree plantation programme emphasized the necessity of extensive tree planting to safeguard the environment and address the adverse impacts of climate change. They advocated for broad participation in the tree plantation movement to create a greener and more livable planet for future generations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the remarks were made during the launch of an initiative to plant 5,000 trees across the upazila, held at the Kalaroa Upazila Government Primary School premises. The event was organized by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation and chaired by its founder and chairman, Arifuzzaman Mamun, with Alamgir Kabir, Assistant Director of Bangladesh Open University and a trustee of the foundation, moderating the session.
Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of Northern University, attended as the chief guest. He highlighted the critical role of tree planting in combating climate change, emphasizing that it requires collective efforts from both the government and society. Special guests included Akhtarul Islam, former mayor of Kalaroa Municipality and joint convener of Satkhira district BNP, Sheikh Rezaul Karim, Registrar of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and a deputy registrar of Jashore University of Science and Technology.
Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman stressed the importance of planting more trees to protect the planet. Akhtarul Islam underscored the need for a social movement to ensure environmental protection, urging families to plant trees and take responsibility for their care. He insisted on the involvement of young people in environmental initiatives to secure a healthier future.
Arifuzzaman Mamun pointed out the increasing severity of climate change’s impacts and the rising risk of environmental disasters, particularly in coastal areas. He called for heightened public awareness and social initiatives aimed at environmental protection. Sheikh Rezaul Karim spoke about the intrinsic connection between agriculture and the environment, while Asaduzzaman Milon, Vice-President and CGM of Al-Arafah Islami Bank, emphasized that environmental protection is a fundamental duty for humanity.