Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon the people, including the leaders and workers of Awami League and its associated bodies, to plant at least three saplings to make Bangladesh a much greener country.

She made the call while inaugurating the three-month long tree plantation campaign of Bangladesh Krishok League at the Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said the government wants to ensure overall economic development of the country keeping its environment and surroundings protected.

She said the government was implementing various programmes to improve the environment of the country.

The PM said forestation in Bangladesh now has gone up to 22 percent from mere 7 percent due to massive afforestation efforts by her successive governments.

Social afforestation and programmes on gardening at every home are also underway to further advance the government's initiative, she added.

Hasina said such steps will help improve the country's environment, and this is how Bangladesh will be able to set an example in the world.

About the plantation campaign, the premier said Awami League had taken a decision in 1983 to observe countrywide tree plantation campaigns on the 1st day of Bangla month Asharh every year to take afforestation programmes forward.

She requested the leaders, workers and well-wishers of AL and its associated bodies and those who believe in Bangabandhu's ideology to plant at least one fruit, one wood, and one medicinal saplings.

The PM said these trees would ensure economic and nutritional security of the people alongside protecting the country's environment.

Earlier, Hasina inaugurated the tree plantation campaign of Krishok League by planting a Palash sapling at the Gono Bhaban.

PM's daughter Saima Wazed also planted a plum sapling.