Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on schoolchildren across the country to plant at least one tree every year and take care of it.
He also said that the younger generation must lead the effort to build a greener and healthier Bangladesh, UNB reports.
The prime minister was speaking after inaugurating a nationwide tree plantation programme at government primary schools by planting a sapling at the Bangladesh‑China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka’s Agargaon.
He also said, “Wherever you think a tree can be planted, whether at your school or near your home, I request each of you to plant at least one tree every year.”
The initiative, launched under the government’s “One Child, One Tree” programme, connected students and teachers virtually from schools nationwide.
The prime minister encouraged children not only to plant trees but also to learn about them asking students to find out what species they planted, how long it would live, how much oxygen it would produce, and how it would benefit people by using the internet and other learning resources.
“You will learn something new about a tree every year. And when the trees grow, you will enjoy their shade at school after playing with your friends or the cool breeze around your home,” he said.
Calling for a nationwide movement to green the country, Tarique urged everyone to work together to make Bangladesh greener for future generations. “Let us all work together to build a greener Bangladesh,” he added.
Under the programme, trees were planted simultaneously at 64,587 government primary schools across the country, with three saplings at each school—a total of 193,761 trees. Officials said 915 schools could not participate due to natural disasters.
The “One Child, One Tree” initiative aims to plant nearly one crore trees over the next five years.
Following the inauguration, exhibitions showcased innovations in primary education from all 64 districts, including school feeding, joyful learning, digital education, and Foundational Learning (FLN).
The premier visited stalls, interacted with students, and praised their creativity and innovation.
