Madaripur environmentalist gives away free tree saplings for 40 years

For more than four decades, Madaripur environmental activist Rajan Mahmud has distributed free tree saplings and led grassroots efforts to protect rivers, wetlands, wildlife and green spaces across the district.

For more than four decades, environmental activist Rajan Mahmud has been leading a grassroots campaign to protect nature in Bangladesh’s Madaripur district, distributing tree saplings free of charge while advocating for the conservation of rivers, canals, wildlife and green spaces.

With a lifelong commitment to environmental protection, Rajan believes safeguarding nature is the key to preserving the environment. His efforts have focused on protecting trees, water bodies, animals and birds, which he considers essential elements of a healthy ecosystem.

Family members and local residents said Rajan Mahmud, son of Anwar Hossain Khan, is a resident of the No. 2 Shakuni area of Madaripur Sadar Upazila. His interest in trees began during his teenage years. In the 1980s, he and his father established a nursery where saplings were grown and distributed free of cost among local people. According to residents, no one seeking a tree sapling ever left empty-handed.

He also supplied saplings free of charge to educational institutions.

Rajan said he became further inspired after reading a newspaper report on environmental issues in 2001. Motivated by the article, he founded the environmental organisation Friends of Nature.

Local residents said Rajan rushes to the scene whenever he sees environmental degradation. He has worked to protect the historic Shakuni Lake, located in the heart of Madaripur town, and protested activities that he believed threatened the lake’s ecological balance. He also opposed the cutting of old trees in the name of development projects around the water body.

During the tenure of the Awami League government, a local member of parliament sought to fill in a historic pond adjacent to the No. 1 Police Outpost in Madaripur town. Rajan protested the move under the banner of Friends of Nature. The pond was eventually preserved with the support of the then mayor of Madaripur Municipality and local residents.

Sources said Rajan has also undertaken various initiatives to protect bird populations, including installing earthen pots on trees to serve as nesting sites. During the monsoon season, he purchases fish fry with his own money and releases them into local wetlands. His repeated protests against the filling of rivers and canals have earned him recognition across the district as an environmental campaigner.

A recent visit to Rajan’s home revealed an extensive rooftop garden containing a variety of flowering and medicinal plants, as well as several species of cactus. He has also established a nursery on family-owned land beside his house.

Rajan said he receives assistance from neighbour Sakhawat Hossain Mamun and local resident Nuru Kha. The three currently work together to produce saplings and distribute them free of charge.

He said many town residents want to grow plants at home but lack suitable soil. In such cases, he and his associates purchase soil and flowerpots, prepare them for planting and then distribute them free of cost.

Beyond tree planting, Rajan said he is working to raise public awareness about environmental protection, health and nutrition. He hopes that one day young people and citizens from all walks of life will join the movement to protect the environment.

Mithila Mohsin, a resident of Hajir Hawla village in Madaripur Sadar Upazila, said she once needed several flowerpots and mentioned it on Facebook. Rajan learned of her need through the social media platform and later provided her with 20 pots free of charge.

“Not only did he give me the pots, but he also provided soil for planting and several plants from his rooftop garden,” she said. “Nowadays people rarely give things away without taking money. I am truly impressed by his love for plants.”

Rabeya Sultana, a resident of the No. 2 Shakuni area of Madaripur, said Rajan provided her with numerous flower plants and pots free of charge when she asked for cuttings from various flowering species.

Al-Amin, assistant agricultural officer of Madaripur Sadar Upazila, said he had known Rajan Mahmud for many years and praised his long-running efforts.

“He regularly distributes saplings free of cost. It is a very good initiative,” Al-Amin said. “Even if a single tree survives, it contributes to protecting the environment. His work will encourage others to plant trees as well.”

This post is republished from Daily Kaler Kantho.