Trees are the source of the close relationship between nature and humans. There is no alternative to trees for maintaining the balance and sustenance of a country. Starting from the development of civilization to the era of modern technology, we depend on trees for every breath of survival. By observing National Arbor Day every year, we remember the importance of this best friend of ours and pledge to build a green and lush Bangladesh. In the context of current climate change, tree planting is not just a formality, but one of the main tools to protect our existence.
Every year, the Bangladesh government observes April 24 as National Arbor Day. The significance of 2026 is very far-reaching. This year's day carried special importance to protect our beloved motherland from increasing global warming and frequent natural disasters.
The theme of National Arbor Day 2026 has been determined keeping in mind the needs of the time. This year's theme was sustainable environment and green prospects for the future. The main objective of the theme is not only to plant trees, but also to ensure proper care of the planted saplings. Through this, every citizen has been called upon to take personal responsibility for protecting nature, which will help in building a prosperous and environmentally friendly state.
The damage caused to the ecosystem due to deforestation is irreparable from the point of view of biology. Deforestation is destroying the habitat of wildlife, which is driving many species towards extinction. This creates chaos in the food chain, which ultimately affects human existence. The lack of plants disrupts pollination, which also severely affects agricultural production.
According to chemical science, deforestation disrupts the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. When trees are cut down, they release stored carbon into the environment, which increases the amount of greenhouse gases. This reduces air quality and increases the concentration of toxic gases, causing various diseases including respiratory problems.
According to the principles of physics, a treeless environment fails to absorb heat. Without trees, the sun's heat directly hits the surface of the earth and the soil absorbs and retains it, which creates a 'heat island' effect. As a result, local temperatures increase abnormally and extreme climatic conditions are observed, which becomes unbearable for the human body.
From the point of view of geology and soil science, deforestation weakens the soil structure. The roots of trees hold the soil firmly, which prevents landslides and soil erosion. As a result of deforestation, rainwater falls directly on the soil and washes away the upper fertile layer, which reduces the fertility of the land and starts the desertification process.
In the overall context of environmental science, deforestation disrupts the water cycle. Trees release water vapor into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration, which helps in the formation of clouds. Without trees, rainfall decreases and groundwater levels drop. This leads to drought and long-term water shortages, which threaten the overall environmental security of a country.
The role of trees in controlling temperature is undeniable as it acts as a natural air conditioner. Through evaporation and providing shade, trees can reduce the temperature of the surroundings by a few degrees. This not only saves electricity, but also provides relief to the common people from the increasingly unbearable heat in urban areas.
Trees play an unparalleled role in preserving biodiversity. A tree is a safe haven for numerous insects, birds and microorganisms. The role of these small organisms is very important in maintaining the balance of the environment. Through tree plantation, we actually nurture a self-sufficient life cycle that ensures the sustainability of the earth.
On the occasion of National Arbor Day 2026, it is the moral and civic responsibility of all of us to plant a tree. This small effort of planting a sapling will one day turn into a huge tree and provide us with oxygen and shade. If we take this initiative from a personal level, then with the participation of crores of people, the country will be filled with greenery in an instant.
Planting a sapling in our yard, on the side of the road or in an abandoned place means investing in a safe world for the future. As this tree grows, our mental peace and economic prosperity will also increase. Let us raise each sapling with compassion like our own child and vow not to repay the debt to the environment.
Educational institutions are the main centers for developing the future generation as tree lovers. Every school should observe a tree plantation week and give students a sapling and give them the responsibility of taking care of it. Teaching the importance of trees in the environmental curriculum will instill a sense of protecting nature in students from childhood.
It is impossible to build a green Bangladesh without the participation of the public at all levels. Tree plantation campaigns should be conducted through clubs and social organizations in the neighborhoods. The general public should be made aware of the multifaceted benefits of trees through the media and publicity. Only our collective efforts can transform a gray land into a green celebration.
The writer is President of the International Anti-Drug Organization
