500-metre green belt to be built in coastal areas: Saber

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Friday said according to the election manifesto of the ruling Awami League, a 500-metre green belt will be built in coastal areas to protect the country from storm surges.

"As a result of climate change, 17 percent of Bangladesh will be submerged with water due to the rise in sea level," he told the inauguration ceremony of a nationwide tree planting program organised by Bangladesh Awami Jubo League at Mughda in the capital, on the occasion of the AL's platinum jubilee.

"...there will be no food production in that area. The map of Bangladesh will change. Climate change has created an existential crisis for us. If there are more trees, the temperature will be lower. So, more trees must be planted to sustain the existence of Bangladesh," the minister said.

Saber Hossain said a healthy environment is required to build a smart Bangladesh announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reports BSS.

"And a healthy environment requires enough plants. Plantation is essential to ensure a healthy and safe world for our future generations. Felling trees is a crime," he said.

Bangladesh Awami Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash presided over the event, while General Secretary of Jubo League Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil and central and local leaders of Jubo League were present.

Later, Saber Hossain inaugurated the nationwide tree plantation programme and distributed saplings.