Hundreds of students joined a tree planting campaign in Netrokona, planting 300 saplings and raising awareness of climate change, environmental conservation and community-led action for a greener Bangladesh.
Hundreds of students took part in a tree planting campaign in Bangladesh’s northeastern Netrokona district on Monday as part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about climate change and encourage environmental conservation in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
The programme was held at Abbasia High School in Kailati Union of Netrokona Sadar Upazila, a sub-district of Netrokona in the Mymensingh Division. Organisers said the initiative was designed to educate young people about the growing impacts of climate change while encouraging them to contribute to environmental protection through tree planting.
The campaign was organised under the slogan, “Let the Earth be green, let nature survive,” as part of Bangladesh’s nationwide tree planting programme. Abbasia High School jointly organised the event with private research organisation BARCIK and the Green Coalition Committee.
The programme began with a colourful awareness rally from the school premises. Students carried placards and festoons bearing messages on nature, the environment and climate. The procession travelled along the Netrokona-Kendua road in Kailati Union before returning to the school grounds.
A discussion on environmental protection and the importance of tree planting followed the rally.
Speaking as the chief guest, Abbasia High School Head Teacher Abdur Rashid said tree planting remained one of the most effective ways to address the effects of rising global temperatures caused by climate change.
“There is no alternative to planting trees if we want to protect ourselves from the impacts of climate change. To ensure the survival of our planet, the younger generation must not only plant trees but also take responsibility for caring for them,” he said.
Among others present were Assistant Head Teacher Shahnaz Begum, School Managing Committee member Fazle Rabbi and BARCIK official Rokhsana Rumi.
Local environmental activists, youth representatives and a large number of students also participated enthusiastically in the programme.
Following the discussion, guests and students planted ornamental, fruit-bearing, forest and medicinal tree saplings across the school campus. Organisers also distributed 300 tree saplings among students.
Organisers said continuing such community-based environmental initiatives would be vital to expanding green cover and helping prevent further environmental degradation across Bangladesh.
