In its ongoing efforts to promote environmental conservation and a greener Bangladesh, Ghashful has launched this year’s large-scale tree plantation campaign under its Social Forestry Program, with support from Bonayon. The week-long initiative began on 14 July 2025 and includes sapling distribution and tree planting in various educational and religious institutions across Chattogram.
As part of this campaign, on 16 July, 2,000 fruit, timber, and medicinal saplings were distributed among project participants and local residents in Pukuria Union of Banshkhali Upazila, through the MCMPP project implemented by Ghashful in collaboration with Caritas Bangladesh. Following the distribution, a symbolic tree planting event was held at the Pukuria Union Parishad field. The event was graced by Mr. Imtiaz Uddin, Upazila Family Planning Officer of Banshkhali, as the Chief Guest, and chaired by acting Union Parishad Chairman Tanzim Islam.
Notable speakers at the event included Bryan Anthony, Coordinator of the MCMPP project of Caritas Chattogram; Program Officer and Head of Programmes Emdadul Islam; local UP member Belal Uddin; Syed Mamunur Rashid, Manager of Ghashful Administration; and Program Coordinator Sirajul Islam. Field Officer Ayatun Noor supervised the event. The speakers emphasized that planting trees is a noble form of Sadaqah Jariyah, benefiting not only humans but also animals, birds, and even insects. They stressed the urgent need to protect and plant trees in the face of rising global temperatures.
So far, a total of 12,000 saplings have been distributed across educational and religious institutions in Chattogram City as well as in Sitakunda, Hathazari, Patiya, Karnaphuli, Anwara, and Banshkhali upazilas. These include 22 madrasas, 33 schools, 2 colleges, 7 mosques, 1 temple, 5 graveyards, and 1 cremation ground. Saplings have been planted in the premises of these institutions, and distributed among students to encourage their involvement in environmental stewardship.
Since 1996, Ghashful has been implementing social forestry programs in partnership with local government, communities, and educational and religious institutions. The initiative aims to promote long-term greening through sapling plantation in schools, religious sites, roadsides, markets, residential areas, embankments, and graveyards.
With its long-standing experience and successful implementation, Ghashful has emerged as a model organization in environmental awareness. The organization believes that real environmental sustainability can be achieved not just by planting trees, but also by building public awareness about the importance of protecting nature.
A notable aspect of this year’s campaign is the plantation around graveyards and cremation grounds. According to local residents, trees planted in such places are rarely cut down, ensuring their longevity and lasting contribution to the ecosystem. This has already drawn positive attention as a sustainable model of social forestry.
In every location, tree species suitable for the local climate and environment are being carefully selected to ensure their natural growth and survival. Involving students in tree planting activities is also helping to nurture environmental awareness and a sense of social responsibility in the next generation.
In the context of today’s climate crisis, Ghashful’s initiative stands out as a timely and courageous step—one that not only protects the environment but also paves the way for meaningful social change.