Mongla, Aug 18 (V7N) — More trees must be planted to help combat global warming and maintain environmental balance, speakers said at a tree-planting programme in Mongla on Monday.

The programme was held at the premises of Mongla Mahila Dakhil Madrasa and was jointly organised by Mongla Civil Society, Asha-Bangladesh and Pashur River Waterkeeper.

Speakers said trees play a vital role in regulating the local climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also described trees as natural air conditioners that help maintain a healthier environment.

The programme was chaired by Maulana Md Ali Hossain, superintendent of Mongla Mahila Dakhil Madrasa.

Md Nur Alam Sheikh, president of Mongla Civil Society and Pashur River Waterkeeper, attended the event as the chief guest. Maulana Abdur Rahman was present as a special guest.

Among others, Mongla Civil Society's Nazmul Haque, Pashur River Waterkeeper organiser Jane Alam Babu and environmental activist Mehdi Hasan also spoke at the programme.

In his speech, Nur Alam Sheikh stressed the importance of planting mangrove trees in the coastal areas surrounding the Sundarbans.

“Mangrove forests act as a natural protective barrier for coastal communities. They help reduce the risks posed by cyclones, storm surges and river erosion while also protecting biodiversity, absorbing carbon and contributing to climate-change mitigation,” he said.

Environmental activist Nazmul Haque said tree planting was essential for maintaining ecological balance and urged people to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment.

Maulana Abdur Rahman said planting trees alone was not enough and emphasised the need for regular care and maintenance to ensure their survival.

He also described the Sundarbans as a valuable natural asset and called for greater public efforts to protect the world's largest mangrove forest.

The organisers said they have undertaken a programme to plant more than 500 mangrove and fruit-bearing trees across Mongla Upazila during the current monsoon season.

END/AHS/SMA/