PM Hasina: Govt wants to protect people, nature

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government aims to protect the country, its people and nature from natural calamities, urging all to plant saplings in empty places of homes and offices to protect the environment.

"Our target is to secure the country, its people and nature from natural calamities," she said while inaugurating the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2024 as well as Environment Fair 2024 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) marking World Environment Day on Wednesday.

She also handed out the Bangabandhu Award for Wildlife Conservation 2023 and 2024, National Environment Award 2023 and Prime Minister's National Award for Plantation 2022 and 2023 to the winners.

Cheques were also distributed among the beneficiaries of the social afforestation program.

The prime minister said: "We have to protect nature as it gives us everything. If we want to live a healthy life, we need a beautiful environment and everyone should focus on it."

"I request you all to plant saplings wherever you have empty spaces. You can have fruits if you plant fruit-bearing trees; you can get money by selling wood if you plant wood trees, while medicines are also produced from the herbal trees," she added.

Everyone should plant trees on the premises of offices, schools, colleges, mosques, madrasas and even on rooftops.

"You can get shade from trees, which gives you comfort. There is also self-satisfaction of eating fruits and vegetables from one's own garden," she remarked.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury was among others who spoke at the program.

A video documentary on the overall activities of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry was screened on the occasion.

Source: BSS