Since 2018, I have engaged in various tree plantation projects in collaboration with my friends, culminating in the establishment of an organization that remained active until late 2022. Residing in a community primarily composed of working-class families, we identified pressing issues within our locality that could be addressed by youth-led initiatives. Upon discussing these challenges with my father, he offered his support, which significantly bolstered our efforts.
We undertook initiatives aimed at encouraging neighborhood residents to utilize vacant spaces adjacent to their homes for planting fruit and medicinal trees. These initiatives were designed to provide benefits to a broader segment of the community, particularly families with lower incomes, thereby enhancing local living conditions. Over three years, we successfully planted approximately 500 trees in our neighborhood and an additional 400 in two underprivileged communities in the Chittagong suburban area.
Furthermore, we observed the deteriorating conditions of roads in rural areas near my native village and subsequently donated saplings of coconut and neem trees. We also educated local farmers on the importance of planting these trees along the roads to help maintain them. A follow-up survey conducted six months later revealed that about 85% of the saplings had been planted.
onsidering the laborious efforts it takes to plant coconut trees and neem trees on roadsides, the plantation rate was appreciable.
The saplings were procured at no cost through the support of the Chief of the Bangladesh Forest Department Horticultural Nursery, Department of Agricultural Extension Research Institute, and local nurseries. Notably, after August 5, 2024, on account of my newly achieved victory, I led a team of 25 members in planting over 700 flowering plants in the City Corporation road islands, enhancing the aesthetic value of our environment. To date, I have spearheaded six tree plantation projects spanning two locations in Lalkhanbazar Ward, two suburban neighborhoods in Rangunia and Hathazari, one in a rural area in Raozan, and lastly, the beautification initiative for the road islands