Published: 08:43 AM, 24 April 2026
Trees Are Our Best Friends
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain
Trees are the source of the close relationship between nature and humans. There is no alternative to trees for maintaining the balance and sustenance of a country. Starting from the development of civilization to the era of modern technology, we depend on trees for every breath of survival. By observing National Arbor Day every year, we remember the importance of this best friend of ours and pledge to build a green and lush Bangladesh. In the context of current climate change, tree planting is not just a formality, but one of the main tools to protect our existence.
Every year, the Bangladesh government observes April 24 as National Arbor Day. The significance of 2026 is very far-reaching. This year's day carries special importance to protect our beloved motherland from increasing global warming and frequent natural disasters.
The theme of National Arbor Day 2026 has been determined keeping in mind the needs of the time. This year's theme is sustainable environment and green prospects for the future. The main objective of the theme is not only to plant trees, but also to ensure proper care of the planted saplings. Through this, every citizen has been called upon to take personal responsibility for protecting nature, which will help in building a prosperous and environmentally friendly state.
The damage caused to the ecosystem due to deforestation is irreparable from the point of view of biology. Deforestation is destroying the habitat of wildlife, which is driving many species towards extinction. This creates chaos in the food chain, which ultimately affects human existence. The lack of plants disrupts pollination, which also severely affects agricultural production.
According to chemical science, deforestation disrupts the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. When trees are cut down, they release stored carbon into the environment, which increases the amount of greenhouse gases. This reduces air quality and increases the concentration of toxic gases, causing various diseases including respiratory problems.
According to the principles of physics, a treeless environment fails to absorb heat. Without trees, the sun's heat directly hits the surface of the earth and the soil absorbs and retains it, which creates a 'heat island' effect. As a result, local temperatures increase abnormally and extreme climatic conditions are observed, which becomes unbearable for the human body.
From the point of view of geology and soil science, deforestation weakens the soil structure. The roots of trees hold the soil firmly, which prevents landslides and soil erosion. As a result of deforestation, rainwater falls directly on the soil and washes away the upper fertile layer, which reduces the fertility of the land and starts the desertification process.
In the overall context of environmental science, deforestation disrupts the water cycle. Trees release water vapor into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration, which helps in the formation of clouds. Without trees, rainfall decreases and groundwater levels drop. This leads to drought and long-term water shortages, which threaten the overall environmental security of a country.
Trees provide us with life-giving oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, which is a scientifically proven unique process. Trees keep the atmosphere clean by absorbing harmful carbon dioxide from the air. This natural filtration system is the main factor in ensuring healthy lungs and longevity.
The plant world acts as a living shield against natural disasters. Afforestation in coastal areas reduces the speed of tidal waves and cyclones, which greatly reduces the loss of life and property. Scientific studies have shown that storms are relatively less severe in areas adjacent to forests, because trees block and disperse the wind.
Tree plantation brings about a revolutionary change in agriculture by increasing the organic quality of the soil. The fallen leaves of the trees mix with the soil and naturally create humus, which increases the performance of soil microorganisms. This reduces dependence on artificial fertilizers, ensures sustainable soil fertility and helps in the production of healthy and vigorous crops.
The role of trees in controlling temperature is undeniable as it acts as a natural air conditioner. Through evaporation and providing shade, trees can reduce the temperature of the surroundings by a few degrees. This not only saves electricity, but also provides relief to the common people from the increasingly unbearable heat in urban areas. Trees play an unparalleled role in preserving biodiversity. A tree is a safe haven for numerous insects, birds and microorganisms. The role of these small organisms is very important in maintaining the balance of the environment. Through tree plantation, we actually nurture a self-sufficient life cycle that ensures the sustainability of the earth.
On the occasion of National Arbor Day 2026, it is the moral and civic responsibility of all of us to plant a tree. This small effort of planting a sapling will one day turn into a huge tree and provide us with oxygen and shade. If we take this initiative from a personal level, then with the participation of crores of people, the country will be filled with greenery in an instant.
Planting a sapling in our yard, on the side of the road or in an abandoned place means investing in a safe world for the future. As this tree grows, our mental peace and economic prosperity will also increase. Let us raise each sapling with compassion like our own child and vow not to repay the debt to the environment.
By planting a tree, we can set a unique example of patriotism. One of the ways to express love for the land and people of the country is to protect this nature. On this special day of 2026, our joint tree plantation program will start a green revolution, which will forever remain as a symbol of our patriotism.
Trees are our best friends, because they selflessly give us oxygen. Trees enrich and diversify human life with fruits, flowers, wood and medicines. Trees provide absolute peace and shelter to tired travelers by providing cool shade on hot afternoons. Trees continue to fight like vigilant guards by protecting us from natural disasters. The importance of trees in keeping the earth habitable is immense, so trees are our best asset.
The role of the Bangladesh government and administration is very significant in building a green Bangladesh. It is necessary to increase the budget allocation for protecting forests and creating new forests through government policies. Strict surveillance by the administration can play an effective role in preventing forest eaters and illegal logging. In addition, it is important to reach the marginalized level with the government's nationwide sapling distribution program.
Educational institutions are the main centers for developing the future generation as tree lovers. Every school should observe a tree plantation week and give students a sapling and give them the responsibility of taking care of it. Teaching the importance of trees in the environmental curriculum will instill a sense of protecting nature in students from childhood.
The concerned authorities and the forest department should supervise the afforestation activities with the help of modern technology. It is necessary to take steps to prevent soil erosion by adopting special afforestation programs in the char and coastal areas. In addition, training nursery owners and ensuring the supply of improved varieties of saplings at low cost should be one of the main tasks of the authorities.
It is impossible to build a green Bangladesh without the participation of the public at all levels. Tree plantation campaigns should be conducted through clubs and social organizations in the neighborhoods. The general public should be made aware of the multifaceted benefits of trees through the media and publicity. Only our collective efforts can transform a gray land into a green celebration.
In conclusion, a treeless world is worse than a desert. Trees are essential for our lives, livelihoods and a healthy environment. Let us, on the occasion of National Arbor Day 2026, plant at least one tree each and ensure its proper care. Green nature is our greatest legacy, and let our pledge today be to protect this legacy.
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain is an essayist
and President of the International
Anti-Drug Organization - Freedom
International Anti-Alcohol. He can be
reached at [email protected]
