Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina on Saturday called upon the countrymen to make a "Green Bangladesh" by planting trees in large numbers, reports BSS.

"We have to plant trees as much as we can across the country to make a "Green Bangladesh," she said while inaugurating the three-month long tree plantation programme of Bangladesh Krishak League (BKL) at a function at her official Ganabhaban residence.

The Prime Minister asked the leaders and activists to play a vital role in turning the country into "Green Bangladesh".

She called upon the BKL leaders to plant saplings on the embankments of rivers, costal belts, roadside, on rooftop and houses to take the 'Green movement' forward.

The Prime Minister planted three saplings of trees at the Ganabhaban marking the programme.

She continued: "I have planted over 2000 trees in Ganabhaban since I assumed power."

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country and its economy depends on agriculture.

"We will go for industrialisation after developing the agriculture sector. We will not go for industrialization bypassing the agriculture," she said.

But, she alerted all not to destroy arable lands while developing industries in a scattered way.

"By no means, the crop lands should not be destroyed in the name of industrialization," she said.

Huge developments and urbanisation are being carried out across the country, she said.

"So, stay alert that no damage of arable lands takes place," she said.

BKL President Samir Chanda and Acting General Secretary Bishwanath Sarker Bitu, spoke on the occasion.

Joint General Secretary of the BKL Shamima Shahriar moderated the function.

Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan