Naraile initiative honors liberation war history with memorial forest of 1971 trees
Photo Collected
In 2022, residents of Khashial Union in Narail’s Kalia Upazila launched an environmental initiative to commemorate the 1971 Liberation War by planting 1,971 trees. Two years later, the saplings have matured into a vibrant canopy, providing shade to travelers and acting as a living memorial to the nation’s independence.
The initiative, centered along the Baradia-Kalia road, features a diverse range of flora, including Banyan, Simul, Kadam, Bakul, Arjun, Jarul, Krishnachura, and various fruit-bearing and medicinal trees such as mango, hog plum, and amlaki. During recent peak summer temperatures, the area has become a popular refuge for locals seeking relief from the heat and frequent power outages.
The project was spearheaded by Khashial Union Parishad (UP) Chairman BM Barkat Ullah, fulfilling a campaign pledge to honor the sacrifices of the Liberation War. The effort was organized by the local standing committee on environment and tree plantation, with funding provided by the chairman, union members, and local contributors. While some trees initially failed to thrive, the committee replaced them in 2025 by planting an additional 600 saplings to ensure the project’s longevity.
Beyond the roadside plantation, the initiative extended into the community, with 71 saplings distributed to households in each ward of the union. Residents, such as Tona village inhabitant Saifur Rahman, report that the trees have already begun to bear fruit, reinforcing the project’s success in both ecological and domestic utility.
Chairman Barkat Ullah acknowledged that maintaining the plantation has been a significant challenge, requiring consistent effort to replace damaged saplings and monitor growth. He emphasized that the administration remains committed to nurturing the trees until the original goal of 1,971 healthy, mature specimens is fully realized.
Today, the green corridor serves a dual purpose: it acts as a vital environmental buffer while standing as a tangible, growing tribute to the history of Bangladesh’s independence, educating and serving the next generation.
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