Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is pursuing sustainable rather than cheap development, citing an initiative to plant 250 million trees across Bangladesh over the next five years. Swapan made the remarks on Sunday morning while inaugurating a tree-planting campaign and tree fair at Bells Park field in Barishal city. The plan calls for planting 50 million trees annually, with tree fairs being organised nationwide to support the target.

The minister said people in the southern region understand the effects of climate change, pointing to changes in rainfall, sunshine, temperature and water levels. He described Bangladesh as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries and said coastal areas would face the greatest risks. He also said the problem requires a global solution.

Swapan warned that temperatures could become unsuitable for habitation if people are not conscious about energy use. He urged public cooperation with Forest Department initiatives and called for greater recognition of afforestation and greening. He later visited nurseries participating in the fair, where 50 nurseries from different districts are taking part. The Barishal divisional tree fair will run daily from 9am to 10pm.