Tree Plantation Programme Held in Jatrabari; July Uprising Memorial Announced

A tree plantation programme was held at Shaheed Zia Park adjacent to Jatrabari intersection in the capital on Monday as part of the Tree Plantation Programme 2026, in line with the Prime Minister's directive.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam attended the programme as chief guest.

MP from a reserved women's seat Shirin Sultana and former acting mayor Nabiullah Nabi were present as special guests. The programme was presided over by Mohammad Jahangir Alam, member secretary of BNP Jatrabari Thana unit, Ward No. 48.

Local leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations, along with people from different walks of life, were present.

July Uprising Memorial to be Built at Shaheed Zia Park

Speaking on the occasion, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam announced that a memorial dedicated to the July Uprising fighters will be constructed at Shaheed Zia Park in Jatrabari in response to demands from various quarters.

He said construction work of the memorial will begin within the next few days.

Salam said the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the July movement should be preserved in the nation's collective memory. Describing Shaheed Zia Park as a historic place, he said the events of July and the associated sacrifices should not be forgotten.

He said people from various sections of society — including general public, political activists, school and college students, and madrasa students — had lost their lives during the movement.

He also called for unity to maintain a democratic environment in the country, saying the anti-authoritarian movement has created an opportunity for Bangladesh to move towards democracy.

Referring to the current political situation, Salam expressed concern that various programmes aimed at encouraging anti-government movements could affect political stability and the democratic environment.

July Memorial Was a Longstanding Demand

Former acting mayor Nabiullah Nabi said the construction of a July Uprising memorial at Shaheed Zia Park had been a longstanding demand of local residents.

He said the administrator's announcement has created an opportunity to implement the demand.

Nabi added that if construction begins soon, the memorial would help preserve the memory of those killed and injured during the July movement and enable future generations to learn about the events.

BNP Keeps Its Promises

Special guest Shirin Sultana said BNP is working to fulfil its commitments to the people.

BNP keeps its promises. One by one, all of BNP's commitments will be fulfilled,she said.

She emphasised the importance of tree plantation, saying it is not merely an environmental initiative but also a step towards ensuring a liveable environment for future generations.

She urged citizens to plant more trees and take responsibility for their proper care.

Call for Greater Environmental Responsibility

Speakers at the programme stressed the importance of regular tree plantation and maintenance to protect ecological balance, increase greenery in urban areas and create a healthier environment for future generations.

They also highlighted the need to preserve the memories of those killed and injured during the July movement.

Speakers said the proposed memorial at Shaheed Zia Park is expected to become an important landmark in the area.

At the end of the programme, the guests planted saplings at different locations inside the park, joined by local BNP leaders and activists and representatives of its affiliated organisations.