PM vows safe, livable Bangladesh balancing development, environmental protection

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a safe and livable Bangladesh for future generations by giving equal importance to development and environmental protection.

In a message issued on the occasion of the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026, to be observed tomorrow, he said the present government is firmly committed to building a green, climate-resilient, environment-friendly and sustainable Bangladesh under the vision of 'Bangladesh First'.

"Building a safe and livable country for future generations by giving equal importance to development and environmental protection is our commitment," he said.

Describing the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026 as a timely and significant initiative to achieve this goal, the Prime Minister said this year's theme, "Let's Decorate the Country through Tree Plantation, Bangladesh First (Brikkho Roponey Sajai Desh, Sobar Agey Bangladesh)," reflects the nation's commitment to environmental conservation.

He said global warming is increasing steadily due to the adverse impacts of human activities, profoundly affecting nature and human life across the world.

The Prime Minister said trees play an indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance and preventing further global warming, as they absorb atmospheric carbon, reduce excessive heat and help keep the environment clean.

Considering this reality, he said, the present government has undertaken a landmark programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years.

"This is not merely a government programme; rather, it is a national movement," he said.

The Prime Minister said people across the country, including those in educational institutions, are being involved in tree plantation and maintenance on roadsides, along railway tracks, embankments, government forestlands, coastal chars, in urban areas and around homesteads.

He said the initiatives to encourage students' participation in urban afforestation and distribute saplings free of cost are highly commendable.

The implementation of these initiatives, he added, will help address the adverse impacts of climate change and further strengthen the foundation for sustainable development.

“A prosperous economy and green forests are closely interrelated. Forests and tree plantation play an important supporting role in building a dynamic and promising green economy,” he said.

Calling upon people from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, to participate in extensive afforestation programmes, he urged them to plant trees in every suitable place, including around homes, on fallow and marginal lands, along canals and riverbanks, embankments, roadsides, road medians, rooftops, and in both urban and rural areas.

The Prime Minister expressed the hope that people would have the opportunity to collect quality saplings from the fair, while students would gain practical knowledge about plant diversity.

He urged everyone to plant at least one tree and ensure its proper care to help build a healthy, beautiful, clean and safe Bangladesh for future generations.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the recipients of the National Tree Plantation Award-2025, the National Wildlife Conservation Award-2026 and the beneficiaries of the social forestry profit-sharing programme.

He wished the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026 every success.