A 15-day divisional tree plantation campaign and tree fair began in Barishal on Sunday to combat the adverse impacts of climate change and protect the environmental balance.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan formally inaugurated the fair at the city’s Bell’s Park field by releasing balloons and festoons.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, the minister said climate change has put Bangladesh and the world at serious risk, with coastal areas particularly vulnerable. He stressed the need for effective global measures and coordinated initiatives to address the crisis.
Urging people to use energy responsibly, Swapan warned that failure to promote environment-friendly energy could make the planet increasingly unsuitable for human habitation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental protection, he said Prime Minister **Tarique Rahman** does not believe in unsustainable development. He highlighted the government’s plan to plant **250 million trees across the country over the next five years, with an annual target of 50 million trees.
The programme was chaired by Barishal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed. Among others, BMP Commissioner Abu Rayhan Mohammad Saleh, Divisional Forest Officer Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Additional DIG (Administration and Finance) Dr Md Saifullah Bin Anwar, BMP Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Sushanta Sarkar, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Md Sharfuddin attended the event.
Students from different schools and colleges, civil society representatives and local residents were also present.
After the discussion, the minister visited the 50 stalls and nurseries participating in the fair.
The fair features nurseries from different districts of Barishal division and will remain open daily from 9am to 10pm.
