Trees play a crucial role in providing clean air, which is essential for all living beings. They offer significant social benefits, such as contributing to a healthy environment for humans and animals. Trees also help prevent destruction, protect us from storms, and sustain ecosystems.
This was highlighted by speakers at a tree sapling program organized by Haor Rokhhay Amra and Khowai River Waterkeeper to protect the Haor region. The event took place in Sinhagram, Lakhai Upazila, on Friday, August 30.
The program was presided over by environmental activist and poet Tahmina Begum Gini, with Member Secretary of Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Coordinator of the Waterkeepers Bangladesh Sharif Jamil as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included environmental activist and Habiganj Press Club founder President Advocate Mansoor Uddin Ahmed Iqbal, former public representative Abdul Wadud Talukdar Abdal, President of the Lakhai Press Club Advocate Ali Nawaz, and President of the Bulla Bazar Traders Welfare Association Ashiq Ahmed Rajib.
Moderated by Khowai River Waterkeeper Tofazzal Sohel, the event featured speeches from environmental activist Md. Bahar Miah, Dr. Farasuddin, “Gach Mama” Md. Raihan Miah, Mohiuddin Ahmed Ripon, Youth Forum’s Aqib Shahriar, Jalal Uddin Ahmed, and Asaduzzaman Chowdhury Sonai, among others. Journalists Billal Ahmed, Yakub Hasan Antar, Kamrul Hasan Sujan, Daulat Rabidas, Shobash Rabidas, and Kamal Rabidas also attended.
Tofazzal Sohel, Khowai River Waterkeeper, emphasized the benefits of trees, such as providing shade and cooler temperatures on hot days. Trees are vital for maintaining clean air, supporting fauna, and offering social and health benefits.
Chief Guest Sharif Jamil stated that, despite the Haor area becoming densely populated, no practical measures have been taken to preserve its natural balance or reduce the effects of climate change. Planting and conserving trees in the Haor region is essential. The awareness program aims to encourage local people to plant more trees, and he expressed hope that many more trees would be planted in the community.
During the event, Md. Raihan Mia (“Gachh Mama”) and Mohiuddin Ahmad Ripon of Lakhai Upazila were honored with the “Sobuz Sathi” award by Waterkeepers Bangladesh for their significant contributions to environmental conservation through tree planting.
The Job for Human Resource Welfare Trust, an organization promoting tree planting, provided over 150 tree saplings for the program.