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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged everyone to contribute to environmental and forest conservation from their respective positions, stressing the need for greater public awareness and initiatives beyond the formal duties of government officials.
He made the call at a meeting to review the progress and implementation of activities of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the ministry’s conference room on October 15.
The meeting decided to identify and preserve the country’s mother trees—important trees used for seed production—within the next six months.
The prime minister also directed officials to ensure regular care of planted trees, monitor their survival by sending personnel to planting sites and explore ways to expand afforestation in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Highlighting the shortage of places where people can enjoy nature, Tarique called for creating more such spaces and encouraging rooftop and school gardens, as well as gardens in other buildings.
He stressed that public awareness must complement government initiatives, saying that greater awareness would make environmental protection easier. He called for separate plans to raise public awareness alongside implementing decisions and programmes on forest and environmental conservation.
Expressing concern over Dhaka’s air pollution, the prime minister said the capital had ranked first or second among the world’s most polluted cities for many years, describing the situation as a matter of shame for the country.
Addressing ministry officials, he urged them not to limit themselves to their assigned responsibilities but to make additional efforts for the country and its people.
He said those currently in positions of responsibility had an opportunity to contribute to the nation and should use their capabilities to bring about change, warning that environmental degradation would harm future generations.
Referring to a plan to plant 250 million trees, Tarique said the entire population would benefit if the initiative were implemented properly.
The meeting also decided that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change would take steps to make up for any shortfall if other ministries failed to meet their tree-planting targets. Regular maintenance and monitoring of planted trees were also emphasised.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Saimum Parvez, Acting Secretary Fahmida Khanam and senior ministry officials attended the meeting.
