Turn Greening Dhaka Into A Social Movement: Abdus Salam

Experts, academics, and civil society leaders have called for transforming urban greening into a strong social movement to make Dhaka a more livable and environmentally sustainable city.

The call came on Saturday morning at a seminar titled “Greening Movement for Sustainable Development of Dhaka,” jointly organized by “Greenwatch Dhaka” and “Dhakar Shekor” at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club.

Speaking as chief guest, Abdus Salam, administrator of the Dhaka South City Corporation and a freedom fighter, said initiatives are underway to plant trees in all vacant spaces and road dividers across the city. He urged nursery owners and entrepreneurs to come forward and support the effort.

He added that saving the city requires participation beyond government efforts, calling on citizens to actively engage in environmental initiatives.

Salam also announced that the City Corporation observes every Saturday as “cleanliness day.” He further said that 10 individuals will be awarded annually for excellence in urban gardening and rooftop farming.

Keynote speaker agricultural scientist and horticulture expert Dr. Md. Mehedi Masud said rising temperatures in Dhaka have made rooftop gardening, balcony gardening, and vertical greening essential rather than optional.

He said scientifically planned horticulture projects could transform every building in the city into a source of oxygen.

Speaking as a special guest, General Secretary of the National Press Club Ayub Bhuiyan said the media has always played a strong role in promoting environmental awareness and can help bring the greening movement to every household.

Trustee of “Dhakar Shekor” Haji Motaleb Mashraki emphasised the role of social organisations in protecting Dhaka’s heritage, environment, and ecological balance.

The seminar was chaired by editor of Greenwatch Dhaka Mostafa Kamal Majumder and moderated by its executive editor Rafiqul Islam Azad.

In his closing remarks, Majumder said greening is not a luxury but a necessity for the city’s survival. He added that the initiative will continue beyond discussion through sustained programs and actions.

During the open discussion, environmental activists, journalists, and members of civil society stressed urgent steps to address Dhaka’s environmental degradation, protect open spaces, and implement large-scale planned tree plantation to restore the city’s livability.

More than 50 rooftop gardeners received saplings of various tree species at the event from Dhakar Shekor. The chief guest formally handed over the saplings to them.