With the vision of ensuring that children in the digital age learn not only from textbooks but also from nature, Bashundhara Public School and College (BPSC) has continued its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability through various greening initiatives.
As part of this effort, the institution organized a colorful rally and tree plantation program in solidarity with the national "One Child, One Tree" campaign.
The event was held on Monday and was attended by teachers, staff members, and a large number of students.
During the program, participants planted a variety of fruit-bearing, timber, medicinal, and shade trees across the school campus.
The initiative was organized as part of the nationwide campaign led by the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE)
The school observed the program with enthusiasm, reflecting its commitment to promoting environmental awareness among students.
Students participating in the rally carried banners, festoons, and placards bearing messages such as "Green Message in Educational Institutions, A New Journey Towards a Greener Bangladesh" and "Today's Tree Plantation, Tomorrow's Climate Protection," highlighting the importance of environmental conservation.
Speaking at the event, Major Mohsin Karim (Retd.), Senior Executive Director of Bashundhara Group, said, “The late President Ziaur Rahman pioneered the transformation of tree plantation into a nationwide social movement in Bangladesh, with initiatives that also gained recognition abroad.”
He added that, in continuation of that legacy, Bashundhara Public School and College joined the government's national tree plantation campaign to promote environmental awareness.
He also expressed hope that the initiative, undertaken under the special guidance of the Chairman of Bashundhara Group, would spread the message of afforestation both at home and abroad.
BPSC Principal Brig Gen (Retd) Anisur Rahman said, “Although the current plantation drive is part of the government's national campaign, the institution began its own greening efforts two years ago. Since then, nearly 1,000 fruit, timber, and medicinal trees have been planted across the campus and surrounding areas.”
The long-term goal, he said, is to bring every inch of the campus under greenery.
He explained, “The objective of planting trees extends beyond environmental protection. It is also intended to introduce students to nature, provide practical learning opportunities, and ensure they grow up in a healthy environment.”
According to the principal, practical Biology and Zoology classes are often conducted beneath the trees, enabling students to gain real-life experience alongside classroom learning.
"Nature is humanity's greatest teacher," he said. "A green environment keeps both the mind and body healthy. We want our students to become technologically skilled while also developing a deep appreciation for nature. This will nurture their creativity, critical thinking, and human values."
He further revealed that Bashundhara Group plans to plant around 10,000 trees across its nearly 100-acre Bashundhara Sports City, with more than half of the target already achieved. The aim is to transform the area into a healthy and environmentally friendly residential zone.
The school has also established an educational rooftop garden where students learn every stage of plant growth from sowing seeds and nurturing saplings to observing flowering and fruiting. Various fruit trees on campus are also used as practical learning resources for science classes.
Eighth-grade student Md. Ahnaf Bin Alam said he was delighted to participate in such a program for the first time. "A tree not only provides shade but also helps save lives. I have planted a tree with my own hands and promise to take care of it regularly," he said.
Sixth-grade student Jannatul Maria said the program gave her an opportunity to understand nature more closely. "If every student takes responsibility for at least one tree, Bangladesh will become much greener in the future," she said.
The school authorities believe that the "One Child, One Tree" campaign is more than just a plantation program, it is a movement to inspire future generations to become environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.
They emphasized that every tree planted today will help build a greener, safer, and more sustainable Bangladesh for tomorrow.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
