She said people themselves are the enemies of the trees despite the fact that trees are so vital for human existence. "Some of these enemies are also present in the forest department," she said and asked the authorities concerned to identify and take proper action against them.

"Devourers cannot be kept in the roles of protectors," she said this at a function marking Tree Fair at the National Parade Square.

Calling for intensifying the national tree-planting campaign into a dynamic social movement, the PM suggested people to plant at least two trees each this year. "The habit of planting trees has to be cultivated by all ... the country has to be abounded with greenery".

Presided over by Forest and Environment Minister Tariqul Islam, the function was also addressed by

Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman, Agriculture Minister MK Anwar, Post and Telecommunications Minister Aminul Huq, State Minister for Forest and Environment Zafrul Islam

Chowdhury, Forest and Environment Secretary Zafar Ahmed Chowdhury and Chief Conservator of Forests M Anwarul Islam.

Khaleda planted a "Mahua (Bassia Latifolia)" sapling on the premises to mark the formal

inauguration of the National Tree Planting Movement-2005.

She also released two commemorative stamps of Tk 6 denomination brought out by the

Postal Department.

She also distributed Prime Minister's National Award for Tree Planting-2004 to different individuals and organisations and NGOs on the occasion and hoped that it would encourage others to plant more trees. She also distributed cheques among the beneficiaries of the social afforestation programme.

Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman, Prof Shahidul Islam MP and Khurram Khan Chowdhury MP were among the recipients of the Prime Minister's National award for outstanding tree-planting initiatives.

Describing trees as man's best friend, Khaleda urged the people to motivate at least two acquaintances for planting trees and start the practice of giving tree-plants as gift.

She asked the people to utilise all possible space to plant trees for prosperity.

Khaleda regretted that the balance of proportion and harmony between the population and trees no longer existed. The increase in population and decrease of trees endangered ecological balance.

The imbalance is a major cause of natural disaster and catastrophes, she said. She called for

increasing the number of trees rapidly to prevent calamity.

She said resources will improve with the increase of trees on the one hand and on the other it will help check natural disaster.

She asked the Ministry of Forests and Environment to take necessary measures for encouraging this year's SSC and HSC examinees to plant trees during their free time before their results are published.

Pointing out the benefits of trees, she said they provide food and drinks to humans, supply oxygen for breathing and shade from the sun. The trees are used for building houses and furniture and also a major source of fuel.

Khaleda said mere planting trees will not be enough and called for taking care and protecting the saplings.

She called for utilising the advantage of fertility of the soil to raise the numbers of trees and increase the forest resources to reduce the needs and save the country from poverty and natural disaster.