A 15-day Divisional Tree Fair-2026 commenced in Rajshahi on Saturday (25 July) at the Nazrul Village premises adjacent to the Rajshahi Central Botanical Garden and Zoo. The fair has been jointly organised by the Rajshahi District Administration and the Social Forestry Division.
The event was formally inaugurated by Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu, MP, who inaugurated the fair by releasing balloons and festoons following a colourful rally. A total of 52 stalls are participating in the fair, which will remain open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, the Land Minister said Rajshahi has achieved remarkable success in tree plantation and healthcare, and those achievements must be sustained. He stressed that government and private institutions should work together to expand tree plantation and greenery across the city.
He also emphasised that planned urban development requires not only planting more trees but also ensuring their proper care and maintenance.
The programme was presided over by Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam. Among the special guests were Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, Rajshahi Range DIG Ashik Sayeed, Rajshahi Superintendent of Police Naimul Hasan, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Fayezul Kabir, Rajshahi Zila Parishad Administrator Freedom Fighter Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, and Additional Divisional Commissioner Habibur Rahman.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said that, as part of the current government's election pledge to plant 250 million trees within five years, the City Corporation has undertaken a programme to plant 250,000 trees over the next year. In the first phase, plantation of nearly 100,000 saplings has already begun and the programme is continuing.
He added that public cooperation is essential to make Rajshahi a cleaner, greener and healthier city through initiatives such as waste management, mosquito control, mud removal, tree plantation and urban greening.
The welcome address was delivered by Divisional Forest Officer Dr Md. Jahangir Alam. Conservator of Forests Md. Subedar Islam and Ainal Haque, Publicity Secretary of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Nursery Owners' Association, also spoke at the event.
The speakers highlighted that large-scale tree plantation is essential to maintain ecological balance, combat the adverse impacts of climate change and build a greener and more liveable Bangladesh for future generations. They urged every citizen to plant at least one tree and ensure its proper care.
Earlier, a colourful rally started from the main gate of the Rajshahi Central Botanical Garden and Zoo and concluded at the Nazrul Village venue. Government officials, public representatives, students, Scouts, nursery owners, environmental activists and a large number of nature lovers participated in the rally and the inaugural ceremony.
