Tarique launches tree plantation along Sagardi Canal banks in Barishal

The plantation site stands beside a Liberation War killing field that still bears the scars of 1971

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has launched a tree-planting programme along both banks of Barishal's Sagardi Canal at 30 Godown, covering more than 350 saplings.

The BNP chief arrived at the canal bank after 2pm on Monday, where his Advisory Council members, Mazibar Rahman Sarwar and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, received him.

Barishal District Convenor Abul Hossain Khan, central party leaders Mezbauddin Farhad, Ebaidur Rahman Chan, and Mahbubul Haque Nannu, alongside Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Jahan Shirin, were also present to welcome him.

The prime minister planted a coconut sapling, while local leaders planted more trees along both banks.

The drive includes coconut saplings and five neem trees.

Locals said a massacre site lies near the canal, carrying the harrowing history of 1971.

Pakistani occupation forces killed freedom fighters and unarmed civilians and dumped the bodies into this canal.

Bunkers used during the Liberation War still stand beside the canal, continuing to carry that bloody history.