Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged schoolchildren to plant at least one tree every year and take care of it, saying the younger generation must lead the effort to build a greener and healthier Bangladesh.

"Wherever you think a tree can be planted—whether at your school or near your home—I request every one of you to plant at least one tree every year," he said after inaugurating a nationwide tree plantation programme at government primary schools by planting a sapling at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon.

Tarique Rahman inaugurated the nationwide tree plantation programme as part of the ‘Green School’ initiative.

Addressing students and teachers connected virtually from schools across the country, the Prime Minister encouraged children not only to plant trees but also to learn about them.

He asked students to find out what species of tree they have planted, how long it would live, how much oxygen it would produce and how it benefit people by using the internet and other learning resources.

"You will learn something new about a tree every year. And when the trees grow, you will enjoy their shade at school after playing with your friends or the cool breeze around your home," Tarique said.

Calling for a nationwide movement for greening the country, he said everyone should work together to make Bangladesh greener for future generations. "Let us all work together to build a greener Bangladesh.”

Under the programme, trees were planted simultaneously at 64,587 government primary schools across the country.

A total of 193,761 saplings were planted, with three trees at each participating school.

Officials said 915 schools could not join the programme due to natural disasters.

Under the ‘Green School’ initiative government primary schools are expected to plant nearly one crore trees over the next five years.

Following the inauguration, the programme showcased various initiatives and innovations in primary education from all 64 districts.

Exhibitions featured school feeding, joyful learning, digital education, Foundational Learning (FLN) and other education programmes being implemented across the country.

The Prime Minister visited the exhibition stalls, interacted with students and praised their creativity and innovation.