Ansar-VDP launches tree-planting drive in five districts

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) organised tree-planting and sapling distribution programmes in Cumilla, Bagerhat, Netrokona, Khagrachhari and Rangamati on Tuesday as part of its efforts to promote environmental conservation and increase greenery.

Held under the slogan “Let’s decorate the country with trees, Bangladesh first,” the programmes saw the participation of Ansar-VDP members across the five districts.

In Cumilla, the programme was held at the Chauddagram Upazila office under the leadership of District Commandant Deputy Director Md Ashraful Haque. Chauddagram Upazila Ansar and VDP Officer Sharif Mahmud and other members also took part.

In Rangamati, fruit, forest and medicinal saplings were planted and distributed among members in the presence of District Commandant Deputy Director Md Saddam Hossain and Circle Adjutant Md Tanzir Azad.

The campaign also reached remote areas of the five districts. In Khagrachhari, 540 saplings of different fruit, forest and medicinal species and 100 palm seeds were planted across nine upazilas. In Bagerhat, 500 saplings were planted across nine upazilas.

Khagrachhari District Commandant Deputy Director Md Ibrahim Khalil attended the programme as chief guest, while Bagerhat District Commandant Deputy Director Md Shariful Islam attended the programme in the district.

In Netrokona, the tree-planting campaign was held in nine of the district’s 10 upazilas. District Commandant Deputy Director Mohammad Zinnatul Islam inaugurated the programme.

A total of 500 saplings were planted in Netrokona Sadar, Mohanganj, Atpara, Kalmakanda, Madan, Kendua, Barhatta, Purbadhala and Durgapur. The saplings included 170 forest, 140 fruit and 190 medicinal varieties.

Ansar-VDP officials and members from different levels participated in the programmes. Organisers said the involvement of Ansar-VDP members would help increase public participation in environmental protection at the local level.

The organisation said such initiatives would continue in different parts of the country to support national tree-planting targets and raise awareness about protecting nature amid growing climate challenges.