Ruhab’s Roots: Bangladesh’s First Carbon-Neutral Child Recognized Globally

Thanks to a lifelong green commitment made by his parents from the moment of his birth, eight-month-old Ayan Khan Ruhab from Satkhira has been recognized internationally as Bangladesh’s first carbon-neutral child.

To offset all the carbon dioxide Ruhab is expected to emit throughout his lifetime, his parents — Imran Rabbi and Ayesha Akter Kiran — have planted 580 trees of various species including mango, black plum, jackfruit, hog plum, betel nut, and neem in their home village of Shibpur in Tala upazila, Satkhira.

Their unique initiative was formally recognized by the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD). At a ceremony organized by the Dhaka Planters, a grant-winning project of ICCCAD, Ruhab was officially certified as Bangladesh’s first carbon-neutral child. The organization also released a photo card featuring Ruhab and his certificate.

Imran Rabbi, the founding president of the environmental organization Greenman, and his wife Ayesha Akter Kiran, the group’s coordinator, said their goal was to instill environmental responsibility from the very beginning of their son’s life.

According to sources, Ruhab was born on 10 February this year. To ensure his life remains carbon-neutral, his parents planted 580 trees capable of absorbing the amount of carbon dioxide he is expected to release over his lifetime. The initiative received recognition from ICCCAD and Dhaka Planters for its contribution to sustainable development and climate resilience.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the recognition, Imran Rabbi said, “We planted trees for Ruhab so that he can grow up breathing clean air and surrounded by greenery. This is just a small step for his future and for our planet. Please keep him in your prayers so that he grows up as a kind-hearted person in harmony with nature.”

Ruhab’s mother Ayesha Akter Kiran added, “We planted trees for our son, but they will benefit all children. Every family can contribute to the future by planting trees whenever a new child is born.”

This exceptional act of environmental awareness has earned wide local appreciation and is now being viewed as a new milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts toward sustainable development and climate adaptation.