KHULNA, July 16, 2024 (BSS)-With a theme of ‘Brikkho Diye Sajai Desh, Somriddha Kori Bangladesh' (Decorate the country with trees, enrich Bangladesh), a 15-day long ‘Tree Fair and Tree Plantation Programme -2024,’ began on local circuit house premises today.

Khulna district administration and Sundarban West Forest Department jointly organized the programme on Khulna Circuit House premises.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Helal Mahmud Sharif was present as the chief guest at the programme with Khulna Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin in the chair.

The chief guest said, ''There is no alternative of planting trees to protect the balance of environment. Awareness should be created among the people about environment conservation and tree plantation through mass publicity.''

Among others, Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Md Mozammel Haque, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police of Khulna Range Moinul Haque, Conservator of Forest Khulna Circle Mihir Kumar Doe, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saidur Rahman, freedom fighter Sarder Mahbubur Rahman, spoke as special guests while Khulna Divisional Forest Officer Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain gave the welcome address.

Earlier, a colorful procession led by the Deputy Minister brought out from Shaheed Hadis Park and ended at the fair ground.

Around a total of 55 stalls have been set up at the fair for display this year and the display of the stalls includes saplings of various flower, medicinal, timber, and fruit-bearing trees. Seminars and cultural functions were held during the fair, officials added.

The law enforcing agencies would take adequate measures to ensure security for the traders, visitors and buyers, the district administration officials said.