Earlier today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the World Environment Day observances, the Environment Fair 2022, and the highly anticipated National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2022. In a ceremony that blended traditional environmental values with modern governance, the Premier spearheaded the launch virtually from her official residence, Ganabhaban, while the primary proceedings took place at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital.
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A Symbolic Act for a Greener Future
Following the formal inauguration, the Prime Minister performed a symbolic yet profound gesture by planting three distinct saplings—Neem, Berry (Jam), and Shimul—within the grounds of Ganabhaban. These choices are notable for their multifaceted benefits: the Neem is prized for its medicinal properties and air purification; the Berry tree provides fruit and timber; and the Shimul, or silk-cotton tree, is celebrated for its aesthetic beauty and ecological role in supporting local bird populations.
This act serves as a call to action for every citizen to contribute to the nation’s green canopy. The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Md Shahab Uddin, MP, and Deputy Minister Habibun Nahar, MP, were among the senior dignitaries attending the BICC event, which was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Strategic Environmental Targets
The theme for this year’s campaign, ‘Brikhaprane Prokriti-Protibesh, Agami Projanmer Teksai Bangladesh’, translates to “Nature and Habitat in the Life of Trees: A Sustainable Bangladesh for the Next Generation.” This theme underscores the government’s long-term vision of climate resilience and ecological preservation.
Currently, forests and woodland cover approximately 22.50 per cent of Bangladesh’s total land area. However, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the government has set an ambitious target to increase this coverage to 25 per cent by 2030. This expansion is considered vital for a deltaic nation that remains one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change.
Key Dates and Objectives
The campaign is structured to maximise public engagement through a series of timed events:
| Event Title | Start Date | End Date | Primary Objective |
| National Tree Fair 2022 | 5 June | 11 June | Public sale and display of diverse plant species. |
| National Tree Plantation Campaign | 5 June | 4 July | Nationwide sapling distribution and planting drive. |
| Environment Fair 2022 | 5 June | 11 June | Showcasing sustainable technologies and awareness. |
| 2030 Forest Coverage Goal | Current: 22.5% | Target: 25% | Enhancing carbon sequestration and biodiversity. |
Public Awareness and Advocacy
To ensure the message of conservation reaches the grassroots level, the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Forest Department have launched a comprehensive outreach programme. This includes the publication of special supplements in leading national dailies and the installation of colourful banners and festoons across Dhaka’s major thoroughfares and landmarks. These visual reminders encourage urban dwellers and rural communities alike to participate in the plantation drive, fostering a collective responsibility towards the environment.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on “sustainable development” highlights that environmental protection is no longer an optional endeavour but a prerequisite for the nation’s continued economic prosperity.