A tree plantation drive alongside a "Tree Storytelling" campaign has been launched in Paikgachha, Khulna, under the slogan "Plant Trees, Save the Environment, Build a Green World, Live a Healthy Life.
" At the inaugural event, speakers called for intensifying tree plantation efforts across coastal regions to combat the adverse impacts of climate change and preserve ecological balance, while encouraging the younger generation to become responsible stewards of nature.
The program was organized on Wednesday (August 12) at the Anirban Library premises in Mahmudkati, Paikgachha, jointly by Anirban Library, Dream Research and Development Foundation, and the Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement. Presided over by Basudeb Roy, Vice President of Anirban Library, the event was moderated by Nikhilesh Chandra Bhadra, Coordinator of the Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement.
Inaugurating the campaign, tree enthusiast and Associate Professor Safiar Rahman emphasized the environmental benefits of trees, noting that they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and bind soil to prevent landslides and erosion. He advocated for planting more fruit-bearing trees to support both environmental protection and household nutrition.
Chief Guest Mir Mohammad Ali, Assistant Professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, remarked, "Planting a tree goes beyond merely embedding a sapling in the soil; it means taking full responsibility to nurture and keep it alive. We must foster love for nature in children from a young age, perhaps by assigning student 'guardianship' over specific trees in schools."
Special Guest Rafiqul Islam Azad, former President of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, highlighted the role of trees in sustaining clean air and a livable planet, urging everyone to plant more trees.
Faisal Ahmed, Editor of River Bangla, stressed the importance of involving children directly in plantation drives and recommended connecting local schools with library initiatives to integrate reading, nature awareness, and values-based education. Other notable speakers at the event included Jugabarta Editor Md. Rafiqul Islam Sujon, Sachetan Sangstha General Secretary Sakila Parveen, Anirban Library General Secretary Prabhat Debnath, environmental activist Dulal Debnath, journalist Md. Hasib Sardar, and student Riyad Hossain.
Following the discussion, various fruit and forest tree saplings were planted on the Anirban Library premises.
