Noakhali Correspondent: The week-long tree plantation campaign and tree fair in Noakhali has officially come to an end, with the theme “Let’s Plan Forests, Build a Green Bangladesh.” This year’s fair saw tree sales worth over Tk 1 million, marking a successful community-wide effort to promote afforestation and environmental awareness.
The closing ceremony and prize distribution event were held on Sunday (September 7) at 4 PM in the conference room of the Noakhali Deputy Commissioner’s office. Additional District Magistrate Md. Yasin attended as the chief guest, while Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime & Ops) Md. Ibrahim was present as a special guest. The event was presided over by Abu Yusuf, Divisional Forest Officer of the Coastal Forest Division.
Speaking at the ceremony, Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Ibrahim emphasized the irreplaceable value of trees in our daily lives. “Trees provide us with oxygen for free,” he said. “Only when we fall ill and need to purchase oxygen cylinders do we realize the priceless service trees offer us every single day. Planting trees is not enough—we must also take proper care of them. If schools and colleges include discussions on patriotism and environmental responsibility alongside textbooks, it won’t take long for Bangladesh to turn green.”
Chief guest Md. Yasin echoed similar concerns, stating, “Everything we consume, from the food we eat to the air we breathe, is directly or indirectly connected to trees. Despite knowing this, we continue to destroy forests and replace them with buildings. We are failing in our human responsibility by knowingly harming our environment. We must break this cycle of destruction. Everyone should plant trees within their means and actively protect existing forests. Trees are our natural shield against disasters, and preserving them is crucial. If we must cut down one tree, we should aim to plant at least ten in its place.”
In his presidential address, Divisional Forest Officer Abu Yusuf highlighted the spiritual and ecological importance of trees. “Trees are one of the most vital gifts from the Creator,” he said. “Their contribution to our survival cannot be overstated. Everyone should commit to planting at least one tree each year. Trees have repeatedly helped us withstand major natural disasters.”
The event also featured speeches from Dr. Poppy Kundu, Medical Officer at the Noakhali Civil Surgeon’s Office, Jahangir Alam, Head Teacher of Noakhali Government Girls High School, and A.S.M. Nasim, Editor of the daily Ajker Noakhali, along with nursery owners and volunteers from various organizations. During the ceremony, top-performing nursery owners who participated in the fair were awarded crests in recognition of their contributions.
The fair had been inaugurated earlier on Monday (September 1) at 10 AM in front of the Noakhali Deputy Commissioner’s Office by DC Khondoker Ishtiaque Ahmed and Superintendent of Police Md. Abdullah Al Faruk. The fair took place on the Eidgah field adjacent to the DC office and drew participation from a wide range of stakeholders.
The successful conclusion of the event marks another step toward creating a more environmentally conscious and greener Noakhali, aligning with the broader national vision of sustainable development and climate resilience.
