PM Calls for Transparency in Tree Plantation Programme
The Prime Minister inaugurates the Environment Fair and the National Tree Fair on Thursday in Dhaka. Photo: Collected.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for greater transparency in the country's tree plantation programme, expressing disappointment over discrepancies between official claims and the actual number of trees planted.
Speaking at the inauguration of World Environment Day, the Environment Fair, the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Thursday, the prime minister said claims that seven lakh trees had been planted were inconsistent with reality.
"Claiming that seven lakh trees were planted when only around two lakh actually were... is unfortunate," he said.
Referring to the construction of the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar railway line via Hathazari and Dulahazara, Rahman said several lakh trees had been felled for the project and the government was trying to compensate by planting new trees.
"Official records stated that seven lakh trees had been planted there. To be honest, two or three weeks ago I asked the officials concerned to submit a report showing exactly where those seven lakh trees had been planted," he said.
"After verifying the report myself, I found that there were nowhere near seven lakh trees. There were hardly around two lakh. This is very unfortunate. I believe we need to pay much closer attention to these issues and take them far more seriously," he added.
The prime minister also referred to a report published on July 8 that ranked Dhaka as the world's third least livable city.
"I will leave it to you to judge whether that news is unfortunate or otherwise. But I believe the time has come for all of us to think about this issue very, very seriously. We have gathered here today to discuss the environment and tree plantation. Every one of us should leave this venue and raise awareness wherever we have the opportunity," he said.
Recalling a recent visit to an army training center in Savar, Rahman said he had observed numerous industrial establishments lining both sides of the road.
"Industrial development is certainly a positive thing. But the condition of the roads and surrounding environment due to these industries is something everyone has seen. I do not believe such a situation should exist in a civilized country. We are all responsible to some extent, and I personally believe we can change this if we all make a sincere effort," he said.
The event was chaired by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo. State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant Saimum Parvez, Acting Secretary Fahmida Khanam, and other senior officials were also present.
Following his speech, the prime minister planted three saplings on the eastern side of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center as part of the national tree plantation campaign.
