Greater public role needed in environmental conservation: Information minister

BARISHAL, July 10: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Friday called for turning tree plantation into a nationwide social movement, urging people from all walks of life to take part in environmental conservation initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a month-long tree plantation programme at the University of Barishal, the minister said planting trees is one of the most effective ways to address environmental challenges and expand the country's green cover.

The campaign was organised by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former president and Bir Uttam Ziaur Rahman.

Swapon said the programme reflects efforts to encourage wider public participation in protecting the environment. Referring to Honourable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's nationwide initiative to plant 250 million trees over the next five years, he urged educational institutions, social organisations and citizens to actively participate in similar programmes.

He described tree plantation as "a social movement" and said the Ziaur Rahman Foundation has long been involved in welfare activities across the country, including environmental initiatives.

The closing ceremony began at 11:00am on the university campus, where participants formally concluded the month-long campaign by planting saplings.

The programme was chaired by University of Barishal Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Mamun Or Rashid.
Among the special guests were Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Executive Director of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, and Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, administrator of the Barishal City Corporation.

The event was moderated by Prof Md Lutfor Rahman, convener of the committee formed to observe the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

Teachers, students, university officials and employees, leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations, including Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, journalists and invited guests attended the programme.

According to the organisers, around 2,000 fruit-bearing, timber and medicinal saplings will be planted across the University of Barishal campus and neighbouring educational institutions under the initiative.

The organisers said the month-long campaign was intended to commemorate Ziaur Rahman's anniversary while raising awareness of environmental protection and encouraging greater community participation in tree plantation activities.