PM launches nationwide drive to plant 25cr trees, visits July martyr Wasim's grave in Cox's Bazar
According to government officials, the initiative seeks to plant a total of 250 million saplings across the country over the next five years.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has inaugurated a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years, aiming to strengthen environmental protection and generate employment.
The programme was launched at Ringbhong in Chakaria's Malumghat of Cox's Bazar, where the prime minister planted a garjan sapling today (13 June).
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other members of the entourage were present at the event.
According to government officials, the initiative seeks to plant a total of 25 crore saplings across the country over the next five years. The programme is expected to create employment opportunities for around 350,000 people directly and indirectly.
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Under the FY2026-27 implementation plan, authorities have set a target of planting over 4.28 crore saplings in 25,960 hectares of block plantations, 37 lakh saplings along 3,727 kilometres of strip plantations and over 1.77 crore saplings in 4,000 hectares of mangrove forests.
In addition, some 56 lakh saplings will be distributed and planted under homestead afforestation schemes.
Tarique arrived at Cox's Bazar Airport around 10am on a US-Bangla Airlines flight.
Following his arrival, he travelled to the site of a canal excavation project before visiting the Dulahazara Safari Park in Chakaria.
Later, he visited the grave of July Uprising martyr Mohammad Wasim in Pekua upazila and met members of the slain activist's family. He enquired the family members wellbeing and handed over savings certificates worth Tk20 lakh to Wasim's mother Josna Begum as a gesture of support.
He then left for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the newly formed Matamuhuri upazila, where he was scheduled to attend a special prayer.
The prime minister is also expected to address a public rally in Chakaria municipality as the chief guest. Following the rally, he will inspect the Marine Drive road and Cox's Bazar sea beach.
As part of the final leg of his tour, Tarique is scheduled to attend an exchange-of-views meeting with local community leaders at Long Beach Hotel in Kolatoli at 8pm.
