Abu sayem, Cox`s bazar: With the theme "Let us adorn the country through tree plantation; Bangladesh comes first," a week-long tree plantation drive and tree fair—2026—have been launched under the joint initiative of the Cox`s Bazar District Administration and the Forest Department. An inaugural ceremony and discussion meeting were held on Tuesday morning (August 18) at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner`s office. Presided over by Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan, the inaugural ceremony was attended by Lutfur Rahman Kajol, Member of Parliament for the Cox`s Bazar-3 constituency, as the chief guest, and Advocate Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Member of Parliament for the reserved women`s seat, as the special guest. Earlier, around 10:30 AM, a rally started from the premises of the Cox`s Bazar Deputy Commissioner`s office, paraded up to the tree fair at Shaheed Daulat Maidan, and concluded at the event venue. Speaking as the chief guest at the discussion meeting, Member of Parliament Lutfur Rahman Kajol stated that the government is moving forward with a target to plant 250 million trees across the country over the next five years. He emphasized the need to further encourage people living near forests to plant trees and to distribute saplings among them. He also urged the students present to plant more trees. In his presidential address, Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan stated that everyone must come forward to participate in tree plantation. Students and the general public alike need to play a role in this effort. Greater awareness regarding the conservation of forests and the environment is essential; trees must be planted and properly cared for. Trees serve as the only shield against natural disasters; therefore, they are vital for saving human lives. He further stated that the role of tree plantation is undeniable in protecting the environment and combating the adverse effects of climate change. To realize the government`s plan to plant 250 million trees over five years, everyone must play a significant role by planting saplings in their own courtyards. Abdullah Al Mamun, Divisional Forest Officer of the Cox`s Bazar South Forest Division, stated that tree plantation plays an immense role in environmental protection. We must contribute to maintaining the environmental balance through tree planting; everyone needs to plant trees and stop cutting them down without valid reason. It is essential to play a significant role in forest and environmental conservation by planting a large number of saplings. This is because trees not only protect the environment but also play an unparalleled role in producing nutritious food through forest and fruit-bearing trees. He further added that the public needs to be encouraged through promotional campaigns regarding the tree fair. Each of you should plant trees in your own courtyards and on your rooftops; only then will the organization of this tree fair be truly successful and meaningful. Also present on the occasion were Md. Maruf Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer of Cox`s Bazar North Forest Division; Mahmud Pasha, Assistant Director of the Department of Environment (Cox`s Bazar); Md. Monirul Islam, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Cox`s Bazar South Forest Division); Shital Pal, Assistant Conservator of Forests (North Forest Division); and District Education Officer Md. Golam Mostafa, alongside various administrative officials, nursery entrepreneurs, students, and local dignitaries. It is worth noting that 38 stalls are participating in this year`s tree plantation drive and tree fair. The fair features a collection of over a hundred thousand saplings, including fruit-bearing, timber, medicinal, and ornamental varieties. A wide range of saplings is being sold at the fair at affordable prices; saplings of various types—including timber, fruit-bearing, and medicinal varieties—are available daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The closing ceremony for the tree plantation drive and tree fair is likely to be held on August 24.