“Books enlighten and enrich the human mind, while trees sustain life and preserve the balance of the environment” — carrying this message, forest, fruit and medicinal tree saplings were distributed among young students in Chougachha, Jashore. Under the slogan “books and trees are true friends,” the Bariyali Jubo Pathagar (youth library) in Pashapol union of the upazila gifted saplings to 250 students from two local educational institutions.
The saplings were distributed at the library grounds following a discussion meeting held at the Bariyali Jubo Pathagar auditorium on Thursday (Sept. 10) afternoon.
The event was chaired by Bariyali Jubo Pathagar President Rowshan Ali. Chougachha Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Farzana Islam spoke as chief guest.
In her remarks as chief guest, UNO Farzana Islam said, “I am amazed to see such a beautifully organized library in such a quiet rural area. This initiative by Bariyali Jubo Pathagar, born of social and environmental responsibility, is truly commendable.” She urged the students to take care of their saplings alongside their studies.
The program was conducted by Bariyali Jubo Pathagar General Secretary Harun Or Rashid.
Special guests included Chougachha Upazila Agriculture Officer Mushabbir Hossain and Upazila Project Implementation Officer Shamsun Nahar.
Agriculture Officer Mushabbir Hossain advised the students on the correct method of planting saplings and highlighted the importance of environmentally friendly and fruit-bearing trees.
Others present at the event included Bariyali Jubo Pathagar Literary Secretary Jubayer Hossain, members Ubaid Sami and Nurul Islam, Habibur Rahman, Sahajur Rahman and others.
Following the discussion meeting, the guests distributed saplings of various environmentally friendly fruit, forest and medicinal tree species to 250 students of Bariyali-Howli Secondary School and Bariyali Government Primary School. The library authorities’ unusual and positive initiative generated widespread enthusiasm among students, teachers and local guardians.