The Honorary Consulate of Bangladesh in Konya, in collaboration with Bangladeshi high school and university students studying in Konya, Konya Forest Regional Directorate, and the Solidarity Association of Environmental Organizations (ÇEKUD), planted approximately 2,000 pine and cedar saplings in the memorial forest established in honor of the founder of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The tree planting event, held in the Çandır neighborhood of the Selçuklu District, was attended by Selçuk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Emrullah Eken, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey M Amanul Haq, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Konya Deniz Bulkur, Konya Forest Regional Director Cafer Bal, ÇEKUD Konya Provincial Representative Ali Ağar, Bangladeshi students studying at Selçuk University and other universities and high schools in Konya, members of the İrfan Yaşam Association, and Konya Erdemli Sports Club.

Speaking at the ceremony, Konya Forest Regional Director Cafer Bal said, “We organize this event together with Bangladeshi students studying in Konya to leave a memory. We are planting 2,000 pine and cedar saplings on a 2-hectare area. Our Bangladeshi students are planting saplings to strengthen the friendship and brotherhood between Turkey and Bangladesh. We will leave this forest as a memory for future generations.”

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey M Amanul Haq also stated, “I am delighted to be here. I thank everyone who participated in the event. This is a very important event for us. Today is the 52nd anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence. I hope this forest will contribute to both greening the world and addressing climate issues. It will also symbolize the brotherhood between Bangladesh and Turkey.”

Ali Ağar, the representative of ÇEKUD in Konya, said, “These planted saplings will be a source of oxygen for our future generations. All living beings will benefit from these saplings. It is also important that this event is organized on the 52nd anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence. I thank all the participants, especially Ambassador M Amanul Haq.”

After the speeches, Bangladeshis and other participants planted the saplings in the soil together.