Development and the environment are not rivals: Prime Minister’s emphasis on planting 250 million trees, protecting rivers and managing waste.
Greening is one of the keys to sustainable development in this time of extreme climate change and environmental imbalance. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants to create a better Bangladesh by balancing nature and development. He sees them not as rivals but as partners for a ‘green, healthy and safe place’ to live.
At the same time, he reiterated the government’s strong stance against deforestation, mountain cutting, destruction of mangroves and killing of wildlife. The Prime Minister talked about the importance of planting trees. He also said that protecting the environment is a key part of development. He promised to create a safe home for future generations.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘World Environment Day, Environment Fair and National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026’ organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Thursday (July 9, 2026) morning.
This year, the theme of the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair has been set-‘Beautify the country by planting trees, Bangladesh first’. At the event, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called for a nationwide social movement to make Bangladesh a true ‘green settlement’.
The government will plant 250 million trees in the next 5 years to create a ‘green settlement,’ says Prime Minister
The Prime Minister talked about the government’s big plan for planting trees. He said, “Based on our election promise, we will plant 250 million new trees in the country over the next five years.” He cautioned against planting trees without proper care. He said, “We won’t reach our goal by planting trees anywhere. We must make sure the trees grow safely.” He said:
Environmental selection: It is necessary to keep in mind what kind of trees should be planted in which environment and on which soil. However, the Prime Minister has emphasized the application of science in this regard.
Choose trees carefully: Avoid harmful trees and plant native species like medicinal trees, orchids, bamboo, fruit trees, cash trees, or endangered species.
Soil and climate suitability: It is important to select trees by understanding the soil type and climate of each region.
Protection of mother trees: They are an important part of the forest’s ecosystem. The Prime Minister said to the forest department officials, “We need to protect the ‘mother trees’ that have been in the local area for a long time. They should not be cut down.”
It is not just an annual ritual: He called for making tree planting a daily habit and part of life, rather than seeing it as just an annual ritual.
Trees for the newborn and youth involvement
The Prime Minister suggested making tree planting a social movement. He proposed that whenever a new family member joins or to remember someone’s birthday, a tree should be planted.
“When a new baby is born in the family, whether it’s ours or a relative’s, we can plant a tree to remember that baby. The tree will grow as the child grows.” She believes that as the child grows, the tree will grow too. This will create a healthy environment and help the greening movement succeed.
He said that the government wants young people to help protect the environment. He added, “We have started ‘Green Volunteerism’ in all schools and colleges.”
Recently, about 90,000 trees have been planted in schools at once. In addition, ‘Climate Youth Fellowship’ and ‘Environment Start-up Fund’ have been launched for the youth, which will play a major role in creating a green Bangladesh.”
20,000 km. River excavation and ecosystem protection
The government is looking at the environment not just as a separate area to handle climate change (like cyclones, floods, droughts, heat waves, and salinity), but as a key part of national development.
The Prime Minister said, “If we cannot save the rivers, the situation will take a terrible turn in the future. It will not be possible to ensure agriculture, food and water security.”
He said the government began a program to dig up 20,000 km of rivers and canals in the country. This will help farmers get water for their fields all year round.
He also talked about creating rooftop gardens, planting trees in cities, using maps for tree planting, greening riverbanks, and eco-tourism as new parts of the economy.
‘Three Rs’ (3R) policy in waste management and appeal to citizens
Noting that tree plantation alone is not enough to protect the environment, the Prime Minister announced radical changes in waste management in cities, ports and suburbs.
He said, “The government has started work to significantly reduce plastic waste. “Also, projects have started to make organic fertilizer, reuse materials, create energy from waste, and use the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ (3R) policy across the country.”
Making a bold appeal to the public, he said, “Waste management cannot be brought into order only through the city administration or the police. This requires responsible behavior from every citizen. I request everyone not to throw garbage or waste anywhere.”
Stating that wildlife and biodiversity are under threat due to population growth, unplanned urbanization and wetland filling, he urged to save these animals by any means.
Award presentation and fair visit
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Prime Minister presented the ‘National Tree Plantation Award-2025’ and ‘Wildlife Conservation National Award-2026’ to the winners in recognition of their outstanding contribution to environmental conservation and tree plantation. She also distributed dividend checks among the participants of the social forestry program.
State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Saimum Parvez, and Acting Secretary of the Ministry Fahmida Khanam were special guests at the event. The ceremony was led by Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo. After the formalities, the Prime Minister toured the various stalls and exhibitions of the tree fair.
