Plant at least two saplings for each child: PM
Fortnight-long 'National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2004' begins
UNB, Dhaka
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday inaugurated the fortnight-long 'National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2004' calling upon the people to plant at least two saplings for each of their children. Speaking at the inaugural function at the National Parade Square in the afternoon, she reiterated that tree plantation and protection of forest resource were inevitable for safeguarding the environment and ensuring balanced and sustainable development. "Remember, there is no other unselfish friend like trees," Khaleda said pointing at their economic return and the benefit they bestow to the environment. Presided over by Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam, the funntion was also addressed by Agriculture Minister MK Anwar, Post and Telecommunication Minister M Aminul Huq, State Minister for Environment and Forest Zafrul Islam Chowdhury, Secretary Syed Tanveer Hossain and Chief Conservator of Forests M Anwarul Islam. Reminding of the monsoons ahead, the proper time for planting trees, she reiterated her call to plant more and more saplings to turn the whole country green. She called upon the countrymen of Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, the scientist, who discovered that plants also have life, to be more aware and active in planting trees. Khaleda mentioned the importance laid by her government on conservation and development of forest resource. She also recalled the importance laid by late President Ziaur Rahman for development of forests. Detailing various steps, she said her government in 1993 adopted a 20-year Master Plan on Forestry and also introduced the National Tree Fair. She said her government has given emphasis on tree-based industries and planting of herbal, wood and fruit-bearing trees. She said that as part of this initiative a master plan has been drawn up to plant one crore coconut trees in the coastal areas for protection against storm as well as increasing the coconut production. Over 40 lakh coconut saplings have been distributed during the current year through the Forest and other departments. The Prime Minister hoped that the Tree Plantation Movement 2004 would get momentum through concerted efforts of all concerned. She distributed prizes among the winners of Prime Minister's National Tree Plantaion Award 2003. In 'Ka' category, the 1st prize went to Botolbunia Ebtedai Madrassah of Patuakhali and the 2nd prize to Chandbhag Government Primary School of Moulvibazar.
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