Saplings distributed in Mymensingh

Bashundhara Shuvosangho distributed tree saplings in Gauripur upazila of Mymensingh on Friday to promote greenery, protect the environment and encourage people to plant trees.

The Gauripur upazila unit of the organisation distributed saplings of different species in the Kalikhola area of the town around noon on 23 October. Members also handed saplings to rickshaw pullers and passers-by on busy roads, spreading the message of environmental protection through tree planting.

The initiative aimed to encourage people to contribute to a greener environment through individual efforts. Organisers said environmental protection was a shared responsibility and that planting trees in home gardens, educational institutions, roadside areas and other suitable places could help increase green cover. They also stressed the importance of regular care to ensure the trees survive and grow.

Trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen and supporting biodiversity. They also provide shade, help reduce soil erosion and contribute to regulating temperatures. Organisers said protecting existing trees and expanding green spaces were increasingly important amid unplanned tree felling and the loss of greenery.

Mohammad Harun Mia, general secretary of the Bashundhara Shuvosangho Gauripur upazila unit, said planting more trees was essential to maintaining environmental balance and addressing the effects of climate change.

“There is no alternative to planting more trees to maintain environmental balance. Everyone must come forward to plant trees and take care of them to ensure a liveable environment for future generations. We distributed saplings among rickshaw pullers and passers-by today, and we will continue these activities in the future,” he said.

He added that the organisation wanted every citizen to understand the benefits of trees and develop a love for them. Greater public interest in tree planting, he said, would help expand environmental protection efforts.

Mahmuda Akter Lily, joint general secretary of the unit, said trees were essential to human life, supplying oxygen and helping keep the environment healthy.

“Sometimes, we forget the benefits of trees and cut them down unnecessarily, causing harm to the environment and nature. Alongside distributing saplings, we must raise awareness so that people refrain from cutting trees without reason,” she said.

She also stressed that planting a sapling was only the first step, saying regular watering, proper care and protection from damage were necessary for trees to grow.

Others present at the programme included Amit Sarkar, organising secretary of the unit; Tanzid Hasan Sourav, environment affairs secretary; Ashikur Rahman Rajib, president of Gauripur Blood Donation Foundation; and Shuvosangho members Sajib Ahmed, Arif Hossain, Mohammad Shanto and Afridi Hasan Nirob.

Through the initiative, Bashundhara Shuvosangho sought to encourage people to plant trees, care for them and avoid unnecessary tree felling. Its members said that if everyone planted and nurtured at least one tree, individual efforts could collectively help create a greener environment.