Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that to benefit from all of nature’s creations, humans also have certain responsibilities and duties. Maintaining the balance of ecosystems, caring for the environment, and nurturing all living beings are among the primary responsibilities of human society.
He made these remarks on Thursday (July 9) at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka, during an event organized for World Environment Day, Environment Fair, and National Tree Plantation Campaign & Tree Fair-2026.
The Prime Minister stated that modern science has proven that the relationship between ecosystems and human society is extremely deep and inseparable. A safe and sustainable future for humanity can only be built if environmental protection is ensured. Therefore, initiatives like the Environment Fair and Tree Fair are a crucial investment for present and future generations.
He said there is no need to elaborate on the necessity of tree planting. Greening is essential for a healthy and safe future for humans. He proposed that the beginning of a new life could be celebrated by planting a tree for each newborn. This way, as the child grows, so too will a tree. This is how greening can be transformed into a social movement.
Tarique Rahman informed that the government has already undertaken various initiatives for environmental conservation. He expressed hope that programs such as launching green volunteerism in educational institutions, Climate Youth Fellowships, and an Environment Start-up Fund will play a significant role in building an eco-friendly future.
He stated that the current government plans to plant 25 crore (250 million) trees in the next five years. However, merely planting trees is not enough; scientific research is also crucial to determine which species are suitable for which environment. The environmental impact of fast-growing trees like eucalyptus and acacia also needs evaluation.
He called for prioritizing indigenous forest, fruit, medicinal, bamboo, orchid, economically valuable, and endangered tree species for new plantations. He also emphasized proper care for newly planted trees and the preservation of trees that have long been part of the local ecosystem.
The Prime Minister said that the government has taken a strict stance against deforestation, hill cutting, mangrove destruction, and wildlife killing to protect the environment.
He further stated that the effects of climate change are no longer a future apprehension but a daily reality. Cyclones, floods, droughts, heatwaves, river erosion, and salinity are having a widespread impact on the country’s agriculture, health, economy, and public life. For this reason, the government considers the environment as one of the fundamental pillars of national development and is working towards building a green, clean, climate-resilient, and sustainable Bangladesh.
He informed that, in addition to tree planting, a program to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals nationwide is being implemented. This initiative will not only increase irrigation facilities in agriculture but also help in combating the effects of climate change.
The Prime Minister said there is no alternative to effective waste management for environmental protection. Modern waste management must be developed in the capital and all towns and suburbs across the country. The government is working to reduce plastic waste, produce organic fertilizer, promote recycling, generate energy from waste, and implement the ‘Reduce-Reuse-Recycle’ (3R) principle.
Finally, he urged citizens, stating that conscious and responsible behavior from everyone is essential to build a clean environment. Waste should be disposed of in designated places, not haphazardly. Keeping the environment clean is everyone’s responsibility for their own health and family’s safety.