Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called for concerted efforts to make Bangladesh a safe habitat for all living beings, saying protecting wildlife and preserving the environment should be a shared responsibility of both the government and people.
"I would like to share with you what I believe: Bangladesh should become a safe habitat for all animals and all forms of life," he said while inaugurating the Environment Fair and the National Tree Plantation Campaign at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
The Prime Minister said biodiversity is under growing threat due to population growth, climate change, unplanned urbanisation, the filling of rivers and wetlands, deforestation and other human activities.
PM inaugurates Environment Fair, National Tree Plantation Campaign
He said the habitats of wildlife as well as aquatic plants and animals are also under threat because of these factors.
The Prime Minister said protecting ecosystems is essential to ensuring the safety of wildlife, domestic animals and birds, warning that no matter how many initiatives are taken, it will not be possible to ensure a safe environment for people without safeguarding all forms of life.
"Do not be cruel to wild animals. Do not treat dogs and cats inhumanely. For the safety of human beings, protecting every animal and every form of life requires not only the government's efforts but also active participation from citizens," Tarique said.
Beginning his speech with a verse from the Holy Quran, the Prime Minister said Allah has created everything on earth for the benefit of humanity.
He said rivers, trees, insects, wildlife, domestic animals and the entire natural environment are all beneficial to humanity, and stressed that people also have a responsibility to protect and care for all of Allah's creations.
Referring to scientific evidence, the Prime Minister said the relationship between human society and the ecosystem is inseparable and protecting ecosystems is closely linked to the well-being of people.
He said the Environment Fair and Tree Fair are an investment in ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for both present and future generations.
He also called for a united national effort to protect the environment and tackle climate change, saying environmental conservation is no longer an option but a necessity for ensuring a safe and sustainable future for Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister said the government has adopted a long-term plan to increase forest cover and restore ecological balance through large-scale tree plantation and proper care of saplings across the country.
He urged people from all walks of life to take part in the campaign, saying tree plantation should become a social movement involving individuals, educational institutions, businesses and local communities.
He said protecting forests, biodiversity and wildlife is essential to addressing the growing impacts of climate change, including floods, cyclones, salinity and rising temperatures.
Tarique said the government remains committed to implementing environment-friendly policies and expanding green initiatives as part of its election manifesto.
He stressed that economic development and environmental protection must go hand in hand, adding that sustainable development is impossible without preserving natural resources.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the need to encourage younger generations to become more aware of environmental conservation and climate action.
At the programme, Tarique distributed the National Environment Award 2025, the National Wildlife Conservation Award 2026, the National Tree Plantation Award 2025 and profit-sharing cheques among the best beneficiaries of the Social Forestry Programme.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Saimum Parvez, among others, addressed the programme.