Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has emphasized that Bangladesh’s ongoing development can only be sustainable if tree plantation becomes a regular practice across the country.
“If we destroy nature, nature will not protect us,” she warned, speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the “Better Dhaka District Initiatives” held in Savar on Thursday.
Addressing the severe air, noise, and dust pollution affecting Dhaka and its surrounding areas, Ms. Hasan said urgent action is needed to protect the environment. “Planting trees is the first step toward change. But it is not enough to just plant trees—we must also take responsibility for their care and protection,” she stressed.
The day-long tree plantation program, organized by the Dhaka District Administration, was held under the slogan: “Let Savar live in green; let a thousand dreams fly in the blue sky.” As part of the initiative, one lakh (100,000) saplings were planted across Savar in a single day, aiming to boost environmental and ecological conservation.
Ms. Hasan further revealed that the government plans to impose a ban on establishing and operating brick kilns in Savar and nearby areas to curb air pollution. She also urged nationwide efforts to phase out harmful polythene and single-use plastics and cautioned citizens against indiscriminate waste burning. To reduce noise pollution, she appealed to motorists to refrain from unnecessary honking.
“Sustainability does not end with tree planting,” she remarked. “It requires active participation from the public in all efforts to protect the environment and biodiversity.”
The event was chaired by Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Mr. Tanvir Ahmed. Other distinguished guests included Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Mr. Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer Ms. Mahmuda Roksana, Director of the Department of Environment Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, and Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mr. Abubakar Sarkar.
Following the formal proceedings, the Environment Advisor ceremonially planted a jackfruit sapling in the courtyard of Savar Upazila Parishad to launch the mass tree plantation drive. She later briefed journalists, reiterating the government’s commitment to legal action against environmental polluters.
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