Staff Reporter:
The Joint Secretary General of the BNP and Administrator of Mymensingh Zila Parishad, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, has said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government, and the BNP are committed to environmental protection.
For this reason, the environment sector has been given the highest priority in the proposed 2026–27 fiscal year budget, he said.
He made the remarks while inaugurating a tree plantation programme of the Mymensingh Zila Parishad in Dhobaura upazila of Mymensingh on Saturday afternoon.
Prince said the proposed budget includes initiatives such as planting 25 crore trees over five years, addressing climate change, promoting green employment, “one child one tree”, and environmentally friendly agriculture. He said these measures reflect the political commitment and vision of Tarique Rahman’s government.
He also said that although economists and members of the educated community have described the budget as “thoughtful, an attempt to build a humane economy, and an effort to bring dynamism and momentum to the economy”, leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) had reacted negatively, which, he claimed, “proves they need treatment for their mind, thoughts, eyes and ears”.
He added that BNP politics is guided by concern for the country, its people, and future development needs, and that its election manifesto was prepared on this basis. He said full implementation of the manifesto would ensure the country’s desired development.
Prince further said that the BNP government’s first budget under the leadership of BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is pro-people, employment-friendly, and environmentally conscious, giving equal importance to economic growth, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
He emphasised that there is no alternative to tree plantation in addressing climate change and environmental crises. A tree, he said, not only protects the environment but also ensures a safer and more liveable planet for future generations. He called for equal emphasis on development and environmental conservation, urging every citizen to take part in tree planting and care.
He further said that tree plantation must be turned into a social movement. “To protect the environment, tackle the adverse effects of climate change, benefit economically, and build a safer Bangladesh for future generations, more trees must be planted. I call on everyone to gift trees to loved ones, encourage children to plant trees, and take care of planted saplings. Plant fruit-bearing, forest, and medicinal trees in your own yards and nurture them like children. A tree takes years to grow but only minutes to cut down. Therefore, replacing every felled tree with a new plantation must become a social responsibility. Planting alone is not enough; we must also ensure their survival. Everyone must take part in this movement for environmental protection and the welfare of future generations,” he said.
He also said that under the Prime Minister’s election pledge, tree plantation activities will be carried out in phases across all upazilas of the district, and proper maintenance of the saplings will be ensured. He expressed hope that the initiative of the district council would play a significant role in environmental conservation, greening efforts, and public awareness.
The inauguration programme was presided over by the Chief Executive Officer of Mymensingh Zila Parishad, Shah Kamrul Huda. Among others, Dhobaura Upazila BNP Convener Professor Azharul Islam Kajal and Upazila Freedom Fighters’ Command Council Convener Abdul Kader also spoke at the event.
Senior officials of the Zila Parishad, including Assistant Engineer Abdul Rouf, Senior Joint Convener of Upazila BNP Moazzem Hossain Khan Liton, along with local dignitaries and officials, were present.
Later, under the leadership of Syed Emran Saleh Prince, officials of the Zila Parishad, political leaders, and local dignitaries planted trees at various important locations including Dhobaura Central Shaheed Minar, mass graves, graveyards, cremation grounds, mosques, and madrasas.
