BNP promises tree planting, river restoration and green reforms as activists welcome ambition but demand stronger climate governance, pollution control, health protection and climate finance ahead of Bangladesh’s 2026 election.
Bangladesh’s largest political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has pledged to plant 250 million saplings over five years if it wins the national election in February 2026. The plan also includes reviving the canal excavation programme initiated by BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, restoring water flow across 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, and implementing the Teesta and Padma Barrage projects.
Dr Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the BNP Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson, reaffirmed the ambitious programme, which also aims to improve waste management, produce renewable energy and organic fertilisers, and reduce pollution through recycling initiatives. At a recent event, Acting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman emphasised support for farmers, sustainable groundwater use, and boosting agricultural exports to earn foreign revenue.
Environmental activists welcomed the pledges but stressed that broader environmental and climate governance is crucial. “Planned afforestation is important, but stopping deforestation, protecting ecosystems and ensuring fair climate finance governance are essential,” said Sohanur, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global. He warned of a silent public health crisis caused by lead contamination, high sulphur levels in fuel oils and industrial emissions, including used lead-acid battery recycling factories, affecting millions of children.
Sohanur highlighted Bangladesh’s urgent need to address climate loss and damage, water scarcity, and the impacts of extreme weather on vulnerable regions, including haors, wetlands, hilly areas and coastal zones. He called for stronger protection for communities displaced by river erosion, cyclones and salinity intrusion, advocating sustainable embankments, coastal infrastructure and functional governance for char islands.
He also emphasised the importance of transparent and accountable climate finance, criticising current gaps in public participation and oversight in decision-making. “Climate action is not only about growth; it is about justice, dignity and a secure future. Citizens must be included in planning and monitoring to ensure effectiveness,” Sohanur said, calling for investment in youth and worker skills to support a just transition to a green and sustainable economy.
BNP Launches Tree Plantation to Offset Damage Near Reception Venue
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday launched a tree plantation programme to compensate for trees damaged around the venue designated for the reception of its Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman.
The programme was inaugurated in the morning along the 36 July Expressway on the 300 Feet Highway in the capital by BNP Central Sports Affairs Secretary and Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP Convener Aminul Haque. He personally planted several saplings during the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Aminul Haque said some trees and plants were damaged due to heavy public gatherings ahead of the reception programme. “Following party decisions, we are planting neem and various fruit-bearing trees to make up for the loss,” he said.
He added that around 200 to 300 saplings have already been collected from nurseries and more will be planted if needed. The plantation drive will continue throughout the day.
Calling environmental protection and preservation of the country’s natural beauty a social responsibility, Aminul Haque said BNP has carried out similar initiatives in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
Earlier on Friday morning, Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP, under Aminul Haque’s leadership, conducted a cleanliness and waste removal drive in and around the reception venue.
