Dhaka South City Corporation handed over and planted 500 tree saplings at the University of Dhaka campus as part of the national tree-planting programme. The event, coordinated with the university unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, was held on Monday at the university’s Mall Chattar premises. DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam formally inaugurated the programme.

Speaking as chief guest, Salam described Dhaka University as a cradle of Bangladesh’s history, heritage and democratic movements. He said its students had played leading roles in movements from the Pakistan era through the most recent July uprising. He paid deep respect to those killed in the July movement and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Salam urged joint action by the government and citizens to make the prime minister’s initiative to plant 250 crore trees nationwide successful. Citing Dhaka’s poor position among polluted cities, he called for planting trees wherever vacant space is available, including across the university and metropolitan areas. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Almojaddeedi Alfechani, student leaders and general students attended.