Photo: BSS

FENI, July 26, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today called upon the leaders and activists of the BNP to stay united in the upcoming local government elections.

"The BNP is a large party, and differences in personal preferences may exist. However, for the sake of the party and the people, there is no alternative to unity in the local government elections," he told a tree-plantation programme organized by Feni District Krishak Dal at Sonagazi Municipal auditorium here.

Highlighting riverbank erosion prevention and road rehabilitation as priority areas, he said that the Bangladesh Water Development Board is carrying out emergency works to protect homes and property from river erosion. 

He also hoped that the Mushapur Closure Project, aimed at providing a permanent solution to the river erosion problem, would be placed before the next meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The minister also emphasized the importance of planting trees to protect the environment.

 Jasim Uddin, President of the Feni District Krishak Dal, chaired the programme which was moderated by its General Secretary Shamsuddin Khokon. 

Sheikh Farid Bahar, Convener of the Feni District BNP; Alal Uddin Alal, Member Secretary of the district BNP; Zainal Abedin Bablu, Convener of the Sonagazi Upazila BNP; Syed Alam Bhuiyan, Member Secretary of the Upazila BNP; Manjur Hossain Babar, Convener of the Sonagazi Municipal BNP; Jannatul Ferdous Mita, leader of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal; BNP leader Abul Kalam Azad; Krishak Dal leader Sheikh Anwar; and Khurshid Alam, Convener of the Upazila Jubo Dal, among others, were also present.

District Krishak Dal General Secretary Shamsuddin Khokon said Krishak Dal plans to plant 800,000 saplings across the country. As part of the campaign, 4,000 saplings were distributed in Sonagazi, he said.

Earlier, the minister held a meeting with government officials in the upazila. 

Before attending the event, the minister also inaugurated several development projects, including a new building at Monkazi Government Primary School, a new road at Kuthir Hat, and unveiled foundation plaques for other development initiatives.