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Published : 09 Jul 2026, 04:29 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on people to plant a tree whenever a child is born as part of a drive to build a greener Bangladesh.
Speaking at an event on Thursday morning, he said trees and greenery were vital, recalling that Dhaka was much greener during his childhood than it is today.
“Most of us understand the importance of planting trees and protecting greenery. I believe everyone shares this view.
“Some time ago, I suggested that whenever a child is born in a family, whether our own child or a relative’s, we should plant a tree in the child’s honour.
“This would celebrate every new life and preserve the memory of the birth. As the child grows, the tree planted alongside it will also grow, turning the idea into a social movement to increase greenery.”
The prime minister made the remarks while inaugurating World Environment Day celebrations, the Environment Fair, the National Tree Plantation Campaign and the Tree Fair.
Recalling an experience from his time in the United Kingdom, Tarique said he was inspired by a neighbour who planted trees for each of his three children.
“In the neighbourhood where I lived in London, there was a three-storey house a few doors away. On both sides of its entrance were climbing roses that had grown almost to the height of the third floor.
“Those three trees had grown almost as tall as the three-storey house. They looked beautiful.
“From that day, I felt that if I got the opportunity after returning to my country, I would encourage people to do the same. That is why I wanted to share this idea today.”
Tarique also spoke about government measures to expand greenery and protect the environment.
“Besides promoting a social movement for greening the country, the government has taken several initiatives. After coming to power, we introduced a Green Volunteerism programme in every educational institution.
“Recently, you may have seen reports about a coordinated school programme where nearly 90,000 trees were planted in schools across the country in a single day.”
The prime minister added that the government had launched the Climate Youth Fellowship and Environment Startup Fund, along with other initiatives.
“If these programmes are successfully implemented, we will, Allah willing, be able to build a safe, healthy and green Bangladesh for current and future generations.”
