Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday formally launched a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years as part of the government’s environmental and climate initiatives.The premier inaugurated the programme at around 2:55 pm by planting a garjan sapling at the Malumghat Reserve Forest in Dulahazara of Pmkhali in Cox’s Bazar. At the event, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and other ministers and lawmakers simultaneously planted saplings of 11 different species.

The prime minister also personally visited plantation sites and observed the activities.

The inaugural ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was presided over by Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.

Among others present were State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam, and Environment Ministry Secretary Mohammed Rayhan Kaosar.

The tree plantation initiative was one of the BNP’s electoral pledges, aiming to plant 25 crore trees nationwide within five years after assuming office.

According to official sources, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will implement the programme to help protect the environment and address climate change impacts. In the first phase, 1.5 crore saplings will be planted in 149 upazilas across 49 districts.

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, on Saturday criticized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, alleging that his repeated “irresponsible and inaccurate statements” could bring embarrassment to Bangladesh on the global stage. He also warned the government against attempting to intimidate political opponents with threats of imprisonment.

Dr. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing a grand rally organized by the 11-Party Alliance at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram on Saturday afternoon.

Criticizing the Prime Minister, the Jamaat chief said, “If the head of government continuously makes misleading and inappropriate remarks, the entire nation will be embarrassed before the international community.”

Issuing a warning to the ruling party, he added, “Those who consider the gallows less significant than their principles and have taken to the streets for their cause cannot be frightened by threats of imprisonment.”

During the rally, Nahid Islam, Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament and Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), strongly criticized the BNP over the issue of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC.

He alleged that there were ongoing efforts to secretly return control of the country’s leading financial institution to the controversial S. Alam Group.

“There is a new conspiracy underway to hand Islami Bank back to the S. Alam Group. The people of Bangladesh will never accept such a move,” Nahid Islam said.

Addressing the gathering, Shahjahan Chowdhury, a Member of Parliament from Jamaat-e-Islami, also directed criticism at the BNP. Referring to the late Osman Hadi, he said the slain leader had consistently spoken out for justice and fairness in society.

“Under no circumstances will we allow the murder of martyr Osman Hadi to go unpunished. If you come to state power in the future, you must ensure a proper and specific trial for his killing,” he said.

The political rally drew a large crowd, with supporters and activists gathering at the venue from early afternoon.

According to the organizers, the 11-Party Alliance convened the rally to press several demands, including easing public suffering, implementing the people’s mandate, controlling the prices of essential commodities, improving law and order, and ensuring the legitimate rights of citizens.

Several senior leaders of the alliance addressed the event, including Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed and Maulana Mamunul Haque, among others.

The rally highlighted growing political tensions and competing narratives among opposition parties over governance, economic challenges, and public accountability in Bangladesh.

 For nearly fifteen years after her divorce, Soheli Islam dedicated her life to raising her only daughter and overcoming the challenges of single parenthood. Through hardship, responsibility, and unwavering determination, she built a life centered on her child’s future. But that journey came to a tragic end following a violent snatching incident on a Dhaka street, leaving behind a grieving daughter and a story that has touched many hearts.

Soheli Islam, 42, worked as a Medical Service Officer for a pharmaceutical company. Originally from Sahebpara in Parbatipur Upazila of Dinajpur district, she lived in a rented apartment in the Dhanmondi-Green Road area of Dhaka due to her job. Despite numerous personal setbacks, she never gave up. Raising her daughter, Sumaiya Alam, on her own had become the mission of her life.

A few days before the incident, Soheli had traveled to Parbatipur with her daughter to attend a family event. After the program, they boarded a bus for Dhaka at around 9:00 p.m. on June 6. Following an overnight journey, they arrived at Gabtoli Bus Terminal at approximately 5:00 a.m. on June 7. As dawn had not fully broken, they waited at the bus counter for some time before continuing their journey home.

At around 6:30 a.m., after daylight began to appear, Soheli and her daughter hired a rickshaw and headed toward their residence. What should have been the final stretch of a routine journey soon turned into a nightmare.

As the rickshaw passed in front of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, several snatchers on a motorcycle allegedly attempted to seize Soheli’s vanity bag. The bag was wrapped around her hand, and she tried to hold on to it. During the struggle, she lost her balance and fell from the moving rickshaw onto the road.

The fall caused severe injuries to the back of her head. Witnesses said she suffered heavy bleeding. The horrifying incident unfolded before the eyes of her only daughter, who watched helplessly as her mother lay critically injured on the street.

According to family members, immediate assistance was not readily available. Eventually, with the help of the rickshaw puller and a passerby, Soheli was taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. She was later transferred to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital and subsequently moved to a private hospital for advanced treatment.

However, the injuries were severe. Doctors fought to save her life, but her condition continued to deteriorate due to serious head trauma and excessive blood loss. Family members said she gradually lost the ability to speak and could only groan in pain.

After battling for four days, Soheli passed away on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment.

Her death has left an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew her. Beyond being a victim of crime, Soheli represented the resilience of countless single mothers who dedicate their lives to their children despite overwhelming challenges.

Nearly fifteen years ago, her marriage ended in divorce. Since then, she had shouldered the responsibility of raising her daughter alone. She balanced her professional career with family responsibilities, ensuring that her daughter received an education and opportunities for a better future. Friends and relatives describe her as a determined and hardworking woman who never stopped fighting for her family.

In Bangladesh’s political landscape, there are many leaders who have dedicated their lives to their party and ideology, placing collective interests above personal gain. Among them is Rezaul Kabir Pol, the Senior Vice President of the Central Executive Committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal (Bangladesh Nationalist Youth Party). From his student years to the present day, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering loyalty and commitment to his political beliefs and organization.

Rezaul Kabir Pol’s political journey is marked by struggle, sacrifice, and dedication. He did not rise to prominence through family influence or political inheritance. Instead, he began his career as a grassroots activist and gradually advanced through the ranks, earning recognition through his hard work, competence, and steadfast commitment. His efforts ultimately led him to hold a significant leadership position within the central committee of Jubo Dal.

Throughout his long political career, he has faced numerous challenges and adversities. Due to his political activities, he has been subjected to arrests, legal cases, imprisonment, and various forms of harassment. For nearly sixteen years, he remained separated from a normal family life. Political circumstances and ongoing pressures forced him to spend extended periods in hiding, depriving him of the affection of his parents, the companionship of his family, and the comfort of his own home.

These difficult years also brought considerable personal and financial losses. He lost a portion of his family business and ancestral property. Much of his valuable time, financial resources, and energy were devoted to defending and promoting his political ideals. Significant chapters of his life were spent navigating prisons, courtrooms, and political activism.

Despite these hardships, Rezaul Kabir Pol never wavered in his loyalty to his party or his political convictions. His faith in the principles of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and respect for its leadership have remained steadfast. He has drawn inspiration from the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, while many party members believe that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has recognized and appreciated his years of sacrifice and contribution.

Beyond politics, Rezaul Kabir Pol has also been actively involved in social and humanitarian initiatives. Through his efforts, underprivileged and distressed families in the Keraniganj area of Dhaka regularly receive food assistance and financial support. These charitable activities have generated positive responses among local residents and have strengthened his reputation as a leader who stands beside people in times of need.

Many residents of Keraniganj, along with leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations, believe that Rezaul Kabir Pol’s sacrifices and contributions to politics will be remembered for years to come. The patience, courage, and loyalty he has displayed despite enduring years of struggle, persecution, and adversity serve as an inspiring example for future generations of political activists.

Overall, Rezaul Kabir Pol’s life reflects a deep commitment, sacrifice, and devotion to his political ideals and organization. His ability to uphold his principles despite personal hardships and losses stands as one of the most significant achievements of his political career.