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.