Tarique launches drive to plant 250 million trees in five years

The first phase will see 15 million saplings planted across 149 Upazilas in 49 districts

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has officially launched a nationwide environmental campaign to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.

The premier initiated the massive afforestation drive on Saturday by planting a Garjan sapling at the Malumghat Reserved Forest in Cox's Bazar's Dulahazara at 2:45pm.

Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and other lawmakers joined the ceremony by planting saplings of 11 different tree varieties.

The five-year afforestation project was a core election pledge of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

By kicking off the campaign at Malumghat, party Chairman Tarique checked off another key campaign commitment.

The BNP, which formed the government after securing an absolute majority in the February elections, has already rolled out several manifesto promises, including the Family Card, Farmer Card, and the Notun Kuri sports initiative.

Outside these programmes, the administration has introduced honorarium allowances for Imams, Muazzins, and other religious leaders, alongside allowances and sports cards for athletes.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will oversee the execution of this project over the next five years to preserve the ecosystem and cushion the country against climate change impacts.

The initial phase will see 15 million saplings planted across 149 Upazilas in 49 districts.