(BSS) – Speakers at the inauguration of a tree plantation programme said there is no alternative to extensive tree plantation to protect the environment and tackle the adverse impacts of climate change.

They said everyone should join the tree plantation movement to help build a greener and more livable planet for future generations.

The speakers made the remarks while attending the inauguration of a programme to plant 5,000 trees across the upazila at the Kalaroa Upazila Government Primary School premises on Friday morning.

The programme was organised by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation.

The inauguration ceremony was chaired by the foundation’s founder and chairman, Arifuzzaman Mamun.

The programme was moderated by Alamgir Kabir, Assistant Director of Bangladesh Open University (BOU) and a trustee of the foundation.

Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman attended the function as the chief guest.

Special guests included former mayor of Kalaroa Municipality and joint convener of Satkhira district BNP Akhtarul Islam, Registrar of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sheikh Rezaul Karim, and a deputy registrar of Jashore University of Science and Technology.

In his speech, Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman said, “To save the planet from the devastating impacts of climate change, more and more trees must be planted. Not only the government, but every member of society must come forward to protect the environment.”

Akhtarul Islam said, “A social movement must be built to protect the environment. It is not enough to plant trees ceremonially; responsibility for their care must also be taken. If every family plants at least a few trees each year, significant environmental changes are possible.”

“Young people must be involved in the environmental protection movement. Effective initiatives must begin today for a healthy future for our children,” he added.

Arifuzzaman Mamun said the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe.

“The risk of environmental disasters is rising in various parts of the country, including coastal areas. In this situation, public awareness and social initiatives for environmental protection are very important,” he said.

Sheikh Rezaul Karim said agriculture and the environment are deeply interconnected.

Vice-President and CGM of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Asaduzzaman Milon said environmental protection is no longer just a social responsibility but an essential duty for humanity.