South Bengal Youth Club has launched a month-long tree plantation campaign in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur, aiming to plant 500 saplings to promote environmental protection and expand green coverage.
The campaign was inaugurated on Wednesday morning by planting 20 fruit-bearing, timber and medicinal saplings on the premises of Utrail Multipurpose High School and Utrail Government Primary School.
Upazila Youth Development Officer Arif Jamil Faruqi attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest, while Ashraful Islam, headteacher of the high school, chaired the event.
Shibchar Upazila BNP Member Secretary Sohel Rana and Upazila Social Services Officer Nazmul Hasan attended as special guests.
Other attendees included Assistant Youth Development Officer Md Abul Hai Akon, former general secretary of Shirual Union BNP Mezbah Uddin Tipu, Utrail Government Primary School Headteacher Md Liton Mia, teachers, students, local dignitaries and journalists.
Speaking at the event, Arif Jamil Faruqi said tree plantation was essential for environmental protection. He praised the youth organisation for its initiative and expressed hope for the campaign's success.
He also highlighted the role of voluntary organisations in engaging young people in positive activities and keeping them away from drugs.
South Bengal Youth Club General Secretary Rafiqul Islam said the organisation had been working since 2020 to support disadvantaged and meritorious students and address social problems, including child marriage.
He said the month-long campaign would cover different unions of Shibchar, with saplings planted at educational institutions, marketplaces and along roadsides.
The initiative aims to contribute to environmental conservation and build public awareness about the importance of tree plantation.
The programme concluded with guests and students planting saplings across the school premises and surrounding areas.
