Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged schoolchildren to plant at least one tree every year and care for it, saying the younger generation must lead efforts to build a greener and healthier Bangladesh.

"Wherever you think a tree can be planted—whether at your school or near your home—I request every one of you to plant at least one tree every year," he said while inaugurating the nationwide "One Child, One Tree" plantation programme at government primary schools by planting a sapling at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon.

Addressing students and teachers connected virtually from schools across the country, the prime minister encouraged children to learn about the trees they plant.

He urged them to find out the species of their trees, how long they live, how much oxygen they produce and how they benefit people by using the internet and other learning resources.

"You will learn something new about a tree every year. And when the trees grow, you will enjoy their shade at school after playing with your friends or the cool breeze around your home," he said.

Calling for a nationwide greening movement, Tarique said everyone should work together to make Bangladesh greener for future generations.

Under the programme, 193,761 saplings were planted simultaneously at 64,587 government primary schools, with three trees planted at each participating school. Officials said 915 schools could not take part because of natural disasters.

The initiative aims to plant nearly one crore trees at government primary schools over the next five years.

Following the inauguration, exhibitions highlighting primary education initiatives from all 64 districts were held, featuring school feeding, joyful learning, digital education, Foundational Learning (FLN) and other programmes.

The prime minister visited the exhibition stalls, interacted with students and praised their creativity and innovation.