In the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert, the neem trees gifted by former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman reign supreme. The neem tree(Scientific name: Azadirachta indica) that Ziaur Rahman presented for the historic plains of Arafat has now spread across the desert country. Due to their popularity, neem trees have become widely known in Saudi Arabia as the ‘Zia Tree’. In Arabic, they are called ‘Zia Shajarah.’
Former minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “President Ziaur Rahman noticed that the historic place Arafat was barren, with no trees. During the Hajj season, pilgrims used to suffer due to the lack of shade. With this in mind, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, he proposed to the Saudi King the idea of planting neem trees in Arafat and gifted him neem saplings. When the Saudi government agreed to his proposal, thousands of neem saplings were sent from Bangladesh.”
Former ambassador and BNP Chairperson’s adviser Golam Akbar Khondkar said, “In Saudi Arabia, neem trees are known as ‘Zia Shajarah.’ After former President Ziaur Rahman gifted the neem trees, the Saudi government realized that these trees were ideal for providing cool shade in the desert. They can survive for a long time with minimal water and retain a significant amount of moisture in their leaves. It was also observed that in areas where neem trees were present, people suffered from fewer illnesses. As a result, the Saudi authorities initiated a large-scale neem plantation program.”
It is reported that in 1977, Bangladesh’s then-President Ziaur Rahman visited Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the then-Saudi King Khalid bin Abdulaziz. During the visit, he presented neem sapling as a gift to the Saudi King.
While handing over the gift, Ziaur Rahman said, “This is a humble gift for you on behalf of the poor people.” At that time, the Saudi King was informed about the medicinal properties of neem. Deeply moved by such a precious gift, the Saudi King embraced President Zia. Later, thousands of neem saplings were sent to Saudi Arabia in containers.
Between 1983 and 1984, the Saudi government undertook a large-scale neem plantation project. The responsibility for maintaining these trees was given to Bangladeshi workers, who continue to care for them to this day. Thousands of neem trees now provide cool and refreshing shade in the Arafat. The neem trees gifted by former President Ziaur Rahman have grown into big and mighty trees, spreading across Saudi Arabia, standing as a proud reminder of Bangladesh’s contribution to the great desert kingdom.
Neem trees have gained immense popularity throughout Saudi Arabia and they have spread across all of Saudi Arabia, extending beyond the Arafat desert. The Saudis have named these trees ‘Zia Tree’ or ‘Zia Gachh,’ known in Arabic as ‘Zia Shajarah.’
(Translated and marginally edited by Rafid)
