State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Bagerhat-3 MP Sheikh Faridul Islam said the Bangladesh Coast Guard has played a firm role in seizing banned polythene. Speaking on Wednesday in Mongla, Bagerhat, he said Coast Guard operations had recovered banned polythene worth several crore taka. He made the remarks after inaugurating the Coast Guard Tree Plantation Programme 2026.

The programme, held under the theme “Let us decorate the country through tree planting, Bangladesh first,” was organised by Enroute Foundation under the overall supervision of the Bangladesh Coast Guard. About 9,400 saplings are planned for planting in different areas of the Coast Guard’s West Zone, with environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Mongla and nearby coastal areas prioritised.

Sheikh Faridul Islam said tree planting is important for maintaining coastal environmental balance, conserving biodiversity and addressing adverse effects of climate change. He stressed both expanded planting and proper care and protection of planted trees. He also called for continued operations to stop the use of environmentally harmful banned polythene. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon said similar environmental activities will continue in the future.