Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reiterated her firm optimism that the country would advance again and the people would get rid of the ongoing crisis by combating the novel coronavirus.

"Though the coronavirus has temporarily halted the country's advancement, we hope people will be free from it and we will move forward again," she said while launching the distribution and plantation of one crore saplings across the country marking the "Mujib Borsho".

The PM also inaugurated the National Tree Plantation Campaign 2020 through the same event held on the Gono Bhaban premises in the morning.

She said coronavirus is not a problem for Bangladesh alone, but for the whole world. "We pray for all in the world so that they get rid of the pandemic."

Talking about her imprisonment day, Hasina, also the Awami League president, said it is a special day as the then caretaker government arrested her on this day in 2007 by filing false cases.

"I express my gratitude to the people of Bangladesh, expatriate Bangladeshis and the world leaders as well as thank millions of leaders and workers of Awami League and its associated bodies for their protest against my imprisonment."

The premier said the caretaker government was forced to release her due to protests by the people and pressure from national and international levels.

The PM said 12 false cases were lodged against her by the former BNP-Jamaat government, while the then caretaker government filed five more false cases.

"I, at that time, said every case will have to be investigated and that was done. By the grace of Allah, I was acquitted following their probe," she said.

Expressing her gratitude to the people, Hasina said she was freed on June 11 in 2008 due to their overwhelming support.

Talking about the country's forest coverage, she reiterated her government's goal of increasing it to 25 percent.

"When we formed the government in 1996, the country's forest coverage was only 7 percent. We raised it to 17 percent. Now, our target is to enhance the coverage to 25 percent and we are working relentlessly to achieve the goal."

The premier called upon the people to plant more trees to protect environment, saying that saving natural environment is a must.

"I would like to urge all to plant trees at places whatever you have and whatever you can. Those who live in towns can plant trees on rooftops or tubs of the balcony of their house.

"If you plant trees, you feel good and your mind will always remain fresh. Besides, it will bring your solvency… you feel well if you eat a green chili of the tree planted by yourself. So, let's come forward to plant trees together," she said.

The PM said plantation of trees is very much essential for ensuring food and nutrition of the people.

She recalled that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had first initiated the tree plantation campaign after the country's independence. "Today, we have taken up the programme in his memory."

Earlier, Hasina launched the distribution and plantation of one crore saplings across the country by planting three trees -- "chalta", "tentul" and "chhatiyan" -- on the Gono Bhaban premises.

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Md Shahab Uddin, Prime Minister's Office Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Mian, Environment Secretary Ziaul Hasan and PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim were present, among others.

https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/bangladesh-move-forward-combating-pandemic-pm-1931613