Special Correspondent: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami`s Dhaka South unit on Wednesday inaugurated a tree plantation programme aimed at promoting environmental conservation and raising public awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources.
The programme was launched by Member of Parliament and Dhaka South Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Nurul Islam Bulbul, who called for the introduction and strict enforcement of laws governing both tree plantation and tree felling.
Speaking as the chief guest, Bulbul said that prior approval from the relevant authorities is mandatory before cutting trees under social forestry projects or any government-owned trees across the country, including in the capital. Although private tree owners are generally not required to obtain permission, he stressed the need to follow existing legal procedures and government guidelines.
He emphasized that greater public awareness is needed regarding the role trees play in environmental protection, climate resilience and ecological balance.
Addressing environmental governance, Bulbul alleged that budget allocations for the environment and forestry sector fail to produce visible results despite substantial annual funding. He claimed that mismanagement and corruption prevent the effective utilization of public resources, contributing to recurring environmental and natural disaster-related losses in both urban and rural areas. He urged the government to adopt sustainable and effective measures to safeguard the country from such risks.
The Jamaat leader also commented on the country`s law and order situation, healthcare services and development projects. He criticized the practice of extending project implementation periods, alleging that such delays often create opportunities for corruption and deprive citizens of the intended benefits of development initiatives.
Referring to anti-corruption efforts, Bulbul said the proposed national budget lacks clear directives for combating corruption. He further alleged that the government`s approach reflects a reluctance to address the issue effectively.
On healthcare, he expressed concern over the closure of hospitals, warning that reducing healthcare facilities could adversely affect public access to medical services at a time when the sector faces significant challenges.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, a member of the party`s central working committee and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Dhaka South, and conducted by Shahin Ahmed Khan, member of the metropolitan working committee and social welfare secretary.
Among others present were Syed Zainul Abedin MP, Abdus Salam, president of the Dhaka South unit of the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation, Dr. Mobarak Hossain, Abdus Sattar Sumon, Ashraful Alam Imon, and Mujibur Rahman.
