Bangladesh launches an ambitious drive to plant 250 million trees over five years, aiming to combat deforestation, boost climate resilience, and restore the nation’s shrinking green cover in one of the world’s most vulnerable countries.

In a bold step to reverse decades of environmental degradation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a nationwide programme to plant 250 million (25 crore) trees over the next five years. The initiative, inaugurated last week, is a flagship commitment from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) election manifesto. It seeks to strengthen forest cover, mitigate climate impacts, and create green jobs in a nation highly exposed to rising seas, floods, and extreme weather.

Prime Minister Rahman personally planted a Garjan sapling, joined by senior ministers and lawmakers who planted saplings of 11 indigenous species. Officials plan to plant 1,180 saplings of native trees in the initial phase at the site.

Context of Shrinking Forests

Bangladesh’s forest cover has long been under pressure. Estimates place current natural forest around 14 per cent of land area, with ongoing losses due to agriculture, urbanization, infrastructure, and population demands. According to Global Forest Watch data, the country lost significant tree cover in recent years, contributing to biodiversity decline and heightened climate vulnerability.

Deforestation rates have historically run nearly double the global average in some periods, exacerbating challenges like coastal erosion, salinity intrusion, and flooding. The Sundarbans mangrove forest and Chittagong Hill Tracts represent key remaining ecosystems, but pressures remain intense.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo presided over the inauguration event. The programme will be implemented under his ministry, with the first phase targeting 15 million saplings across 149 upazilas in 49 districts.

Core Environmental Pledge

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasised citizen participation. He urged every Bangladeshi, particularly students, to plant at least one tree annually, describing the younger generation as “future gamechangers” in the environmental fight. He called for tree plantation to become a national habit and movement.

In messages tied to the campaign, leaders have stressed balancing development with environmental protection. The initiative aligns with broader goals of creating a “safe, liveable Bangladesh.”

The BNP manifesto positioned this as a core environmental pledge, aiming for 50 million trees planted per year on average. Officials project it could generate around 350,000 green jobs while enhancing carbon sequestration and ecosystem services.

Implementation and Challenges

The five-year plan focuses on indigenous species for better ecological fit, as experts recommend prioritising native trees over exotics to support biodiversity. A large-scale effort like this requires substantial land, community involvement, and sustained maintenance – watering, protection from pests, and monitoring survival rates.

Programmes like “One Student, One Tree” aim to involve schools and youth. This grassroots approach seeks to foster long-term environmental stewardship. Local communities, especially in rural and coastal areas, will play vital roles in planting and nurturing saplings.

Economic and Climate Benefits

Beyond ecology, the drive promises economic gains through green employment in nurseries, plantation, and related sectors. In climate-vulnerable Bangladesh, enhanced forest cover can act as a natural buffer against cyclones, storm surges, and temperature rises.

Critics and experts stress the importance of planting the “right trees” – native, diverse varieties suited to local conditions rather than monocultures. This ensures better survival, biodiversity support, and long-term ecosystem health.

The first phase rollout across multiple districts signals serious intent. Coordination between government ministries, local administrations, NGOs, and citizens will be crucial for success.

Bangladesh ranks among the countries most at risk from climate change, despite low historical emissions. Deforestation compounds issues like habitat loss and carbon release. Restoring forests aligns with international commitments and national adaptation strategies.

Previous efforts, including annual tree fairs and campaigns with themes like “Let’s Plant in a Planned Way, Build a Green Bangladesh,” have laid groundwork. This scaled-up, multi-year programme represents a more structured, ambitious response.

Challenges include ensuring high survival rates (often a bottleneck in such drives), securing land without displacing agriculture, and monitoring progress transparently. Logistical demands for 250 million saplings are enormous, requiring robust supply chains for seedlings and ongoing care.

Active Participant in Global Restoration Efforts

Success will depend on turning the initiative into a true national movement. With political backing at the highest levels and public calls to action, momentum is building. Integration with other environmental policies, such as wetland protection and sustainable land use, could amplify impacts.

As Prime Minister Rahman and his government roll out this greening vision, Bangladesh positions itself not just as a climate victim but as an active participant in global restoration efforts. The coming years will test the programme’s ability to deliver tangible increases in forest cover and resilience.

This effort comes at a pivotal time. As the Prime Minister says, with global attention on tropical forest loss, Bangladesh’s 250-million-tree target, if achieved with quality and sustainability, could serve as a model for densely populated developing nations.