Bangla Press Desk: Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women, in partnership with Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB) and with support from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), on Tuesday inaugurated Dhaka's second Miyawaki Urban Forest at Uttara Sector-17 Lakeside to mark World Nature Conservation Day.
Developed using the Miyawaki afforestation method, the initiative aims to restore urban green spaces and help build a healthier and more climate-resilient city.
RAJUK Chairman Engr Md Riazul Islam attended the inauguration as the chief guest, while MTB Managing Director and CEO Syed Mahbubur Rahman was present as the special guest. The event was chaired by Imran Ahmed, deputy executive director of Shakti Foundation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Riazul Islam highlighted the importance of urban forests in creating a greener and more climate-resilient Dhaka. He called on communities, financial institutions and other stakeholders to work together to ensure the long-term care and sustainability of such initiatives.
"I sincerely thank Shakti Foundation for undertaking this important initiative and supporting RAJUK in fulfilling its commitment to creating a greener and livable Dhaka," he said.
Syed Mahbubur Rahman stressed the need to restore green spaces in rapidly urbanising cities.
Recalling his childhood memories of Dhaka, he said the city had once been much greener, with more open spaces and trees, adding that environmental conservation must go hand in hand with development.
On behalf of the implementing partner, Imran Ahmed reaffirmed Shakti Foundation's commitment to integrating climate action with sustainable initiatives.
"Planting trees is only the beginning; the greater responsibility is to nurture them. If these trees are properly cared for during their first two years, they can grow into thriving forests that will benefit communities and the environment for generations to come," he said.
Among others present were RAJUK Member (Planning) Mohammad Bashirul Haque Bhuiyan, Chief Engineer (Projects and Design) Md Muzaffar Uddin, Chief Engineer (Implementation) Md Aminur Rahman, MTB Deputy Managing Director and Head of Wholesale Banking Division Mohammad Mamun Faruk, and Officer-in-Charge of Turag Model Police Station Mostafizur Rahman, along with representatives from the government, development sector, law enforcement agencies and the banking industry.
Spread across 2,285 square metres, the Miyawaki forest features 6,100 trees representing 93 native fruit, flower and medicinal species.
According to the organisers, the project reflects a shared commitment by the government, private sector and development partners to promoting nature-based solutions for enhancing climate resilience and improving the quality of urban life.
