Bangabandhu used to flower gardening even on his prisoned life for the development of the environment: Environment Minister (Bangladesh)
Md. Shahab Uddin, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (Bangladesh), said, “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a true lover of environment and nature. He had a deep love for nature since his childhood.
His love of nature deepened with his repeated imprisoned for political reasons. He nurtured a flower garden in front of his ward or cell as much time and opportunity as he got in his prisoned life. Bangabandhu’s love of trees has developed on a broader scale since the country became independent.
After independence, he took various practical steps to rebuild the war-torn country and protect the nature and environment of the country like a visionary politician. He planted trees on racecourse ground and turned the racecourse into ‘Suhrawardy Udyan.‘ He started a tree-planting program all over the country to inspire everyone.
Coastal afforestation initiated by Bangabandhu is now a role model all over the world. The tree-planting program is observed in the country (Bangladesh) every year as per the rules.
The number of tree-loving people across the country is increasing day by day. The rows of trees on both sides of the road in today’s Bangladesh that have made our nature beautiful and charming, first initiated by the Father of the Nation.” The environment minister continued.
He further said that “Bangabandhu issued the ‘Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) Order-1973’ in 1973 with the highest priority on the protection of biodiversity, not just tree planting.”
“To ensure a pollution-free environment, he issued the Water Pollution Control Ordinance 1973. In 1973, he started environmental protection activities in independent Bangladesh by taking water pollution control project.
Bangladesh’s environmental protection and tree planting became a social movement due to various effective initiatives and noble calls of the Father of the Nation,” he added.
The Forest Minister also praised the current ruling party by saying, “The government led by his (Bangabandhu) worthy daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is following the path shown by the Father of the nation in protecting nature and environment.”
“In sustainable development, we need to plant more and more trees to keep the environment more beautiful and alive. To make this initiative a success, the government and all non-governmental organizations, people of all classes, and professionals must come forward,” he called on.
