Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today stressed the need for area-specific tree plantation, taking into account soil quality and local environmental conditions.

“Not all regions of the country have the same soil characteristics. Trees should be selected and planted based on the soil and environment of each area,” said the prime minister today.

He made the remarks while chairing a meeting on tree plantation at the prime minister’s Tejgaon office.

The prime minister said such planning would increase the survival rate of trees and help maintain ecological balance.

Referring to the growing impact of climate change, Tarique said changes in the seasonal cycle had become increasingly visible.

“Earlier, regular rainfall would begin in June, but that pattern has changed significantly. The decline in forests and trees is one of the major reasons behind this adverse behaviour of nature,” he said.

He said tree plantation should be treated as a priority to protect the environment, tackle climate change, and build a safer world for future generations.

The government has taken up a programme to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years. The meeting discussed how the programme would be implemented.

The prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate the programme at Dulahazara in Cox’s Bazar on June 14.

Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Environment Secretary Rayhan Kawser, among others, were present at the event.