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The government has successfully planted approximately 22.22 million tree saplings across the country within the first six months of assuming office. This initiative is part of the BNP’s electoral manifesto, which pledged to plant 250 million trees over five years to combat the effects of climate change and maintain environmental balance.
Currently, the administration has set an annual target of planting 51.48 million saplings. According to government evaluations, approximately 43.25 percent of this target has been successfully achieved in the past six months. A total of 11 government agencies, including the Forest Department, are directly involved in this greening initiative.
Data analysis reveals that the Forest Department is at the forefront of implementing this program, having alone planted 11.92 million saplings. Following closely is the Local Government Division, which has planted 7.16 million saplings. The remaining saplings were planted through initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Road Transport and Highways Division, the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, the Ministry of Disaster Management, and the Ministry of Housing.
Tree species are being selected based on the soil characteristics and suitable environment of each region. Garjan, Chapalish, Teak, and Bamboo are prioritized in hilly areas; mangrove species like Keora, Bain, and Jhao are chosen for coastal regions; and Hijal, Kadam, and Koroch saplings are preferred for wetlands surrounded by haors and beels.
Dr. Md. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, stated that in addition to government agencies, NGOs have also managed to plant another 4 million trees. Furthermore, a separate project to plant 20 million mangrove saplings to protect the coast is nearing finalization, expected to be implemented by August-September. The government expresses optimism that, overall, the annual target can be surpassed within the stipulated timeframe.