Prime Minister launches 25 crore tree plantation programme
PM Tarique Rahman in Cox's Bazar officially inaugurates a programme to plant 25 crore trees across the country. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has officially inaugurated a programme to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years.
He launched the programme on Saturday afternoon by planting a Nagalingam tree sapling in the Malumghat reserved forest, in front of the main gate of Dulahazara Safari Park in Chakaria of Cox's Bazar district.
Later, he signed the visitors' book of the Safari Park. The Prime Minister's spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, also signed the visitors' book.
On the occasion, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and other ministers and MPs planted saplings of 11 different tree species.
Planting 25 crore trees over five years was an electoral pledge of the BNP. By inaugurating the programme at Malumghat, BNP chairman Tarique Rahman began fulfilling another electoral commitment.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister arrived in the tourist city of Cox's Bazar on a one-day visit. From Cox's Bazar Airport, he drove himself to the site of a canal excavation programme, giving the passenger seat to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Also in the car were the Prime Minister's spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and Salahuddin Ahmed's wife, Hasina Ahmed.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the re-excavation of the 'Patlial Khal' canal, originally dug by martyred President Ziaur Rahman, in PMKhali Union of Cox's Bazar Sadar. From there, he again drove himself to Dulahazara Safari Park. Throughout the journey, thousands of local residents and party activists and supporters lined the roads, showering Prime Minister Tarek Rahman with flower petals and waving their hands in a warm welcome.