PM inaugurates National Tree Fair 2026 on Thursday

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has officially inaugurated the ‘Environment Fair 2026, the National Tree Plantation Campaign and the National Tree Fair 2026’, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the environment, expanding forest coverage and encouraging people to take a greater role in addressing climate change.

The opening ceremony took place on Thursday morning at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka under the theme, ‘Let’s Beautify the Country through Tree Plantation: Bangladesh First.’ The event began with recitations from the Holy Quran, followed by readings from other religious scriptures.

During the programme, the PM presented the National Environment Award 2025, the National Wildlife Conservation Award 2026 and the National Tree Plantation Award 2025.

He also distributed profit-sharing cheques to leading beneficiaries of the Social Forestry Programme.

The National Environment Award recognised individuals and organisations for their contributions to environmental protection. Winners were selected in six categories, covering both individuals and institutions. Each recipient received a cash award equivalent to the market value of two tolas of 22-carat gold, a cheque worth Tk 50,000, a commemorative crest and a certificate.

A documentary showcasing the government’s work on environmental protection, forestry and climate initiatives was screened during the ceremony.

Following the event, the Prime Minister planted olive, jarul and neem saplings on the grounds of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre before visiting exhibition stalls at the National Tree Fair, which is being held at the former Dhaka International Trade Fair venue.

The fair aims to raise public awareness about environmental conservation, encourage tree planting and promote collective efforts to reduce the impact of climate change.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam and the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Saimum Parvez also addressed the gathering.

The government has organised a month-long National Tree Fair and Environment Fair in Dhaka, while similar events are taking place across the country.

Tree fairs are being held for 15 days in every divisional headquarters, seven days in 56 district headquarters and three days in 29 upazilas. The national fair in the capital features 120 exhibition stalls.

The event forms part of the government’s wider environmental strategy, which includes a five-year master plan to plant 25 crore trees nationwide while ensuring their long-term care and maintenance. The programme supports the government’s election commitments to improve environmental sustainability and strengthen resilience against climate change.

Under the programme, GIS, remote sensing, a National Tree Database, and drone technology will be used to digitally monitor afforestation activities. The initiative is expected to create approximately 350,000 new green jobs and develop 10,000 new nursery entrepreneurs.

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman transformed tree plantation into a national movement in Bangladesh. Under his initiative, the country’s first National Forest Policy was formulated in 1979.

Later, in 1994, then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia launched the National Tree Fair and played a significant role in expanding social forestry. The present government is continuing that legacy by developing a technology-driven and sustainable forest management system.

The nationwide tree plantation campaign was formally launched on 13 June at Dulahazara in Cox’s Bazar. According to official figures, the Forest Department has already planted more than 8.33 million saplings, achieving nearly 17 per cent of its annual planting target as the country continues its efforts to restore forests and improve ecological resilience.