Tree Drive Targets Greener Future at BAU
A tree plantation and sapling distribution program was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) to promote environmental conservation, address the impacts of climate change, and support the government's national afforestation initiative.
The program was organized on Sunday, June 14, by the Student Association of the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology.
The first phase of the initiative began at 8:00 am with the distribution of fruit-bearing and forest tree saplings among students of the university's Liberation War Memorial School. During the event, students were encouraged to recognize the importance of environmental conservation and tree planting by BAU Student Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science Professor Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman, and Proctor Md. Abdul Alim.
Later, at 11:00 am, the formal tree plantation program was inaugurated on the premises of the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. The chief guest at the event was BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor said that extensive tree plantation remains indispensable for maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable development. He stressed that students and people from all walks of life must actively participate in afforestation efforts to combat the growing risks posed by climate change.
While speaking at the event, Professor Dr. Md. Wakilur Rahman, Treasurer of the Faculty's Student Association and a faculty member of the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, said the initiative was organized in line with the government's plan to plant 2.5 billion trees over the next five years.
He noted that spreading awareness about environmental protection and tree plantation through students could eventually evolve into a broader social movement. Such initiatives, he added, would play a significant role in achieving the goals of the national tree plantation program.
Professor Wakilur Rahman further stated that, in addition to distributing saplings among school students, tree plantation activities were also carried out across the faculty premises. He expressed hope that students would continue to champion environmentally friendly initiatives in the future.
As part of the program, 80 fruit-bearing, forest, and ornamental trees were planted. The species included jackfruit, mango, lemon, along with ornamental varieties such as Alokananda, white hibiscus, Neelkanthi, Mussaenda, terrestrial lotus, and hybrid red Rangon.
The Vice-President of the Faculty Student Association said similar programs would be organized regularly to help create a greener, safer, and more livable environment for future generations.
He emphasized that trees play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring food and nutritional security, and conserving natural resources. Therefore, broader participation from all sections of society is essential to further strengthen the tree plantation movement, he added.
//DBTech/AH/SI/OR//
