As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and with the aim of contributing to environmental conservation and greening efforts, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has undertaken a tree plantation program across various halls and premises of the University of Dhaka. In collaboration with the Arboriculture Centre of the University of Dhaka and the Dhaka University Environment Society, the plantation of 1,000 saplings of various native species was inaugurated on August 24, 2026, across different halls and premises of the university.

Under the slogan “Let Us Green Our Country Through Tree Plantation, Bangladesh First,” a rally and discussion session were organized to mark the tree plantation program. Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Dr. S. M. A. Faiz, attended the event as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan, Managing Director of Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC.

In his speech, Chief Guest Professor Dr. S. M. A. Faiz said that trees play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance, mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change, and protecting human life and biodiversity. He said tree plantation is not merely a social initiative, rather, it is a responsibility to ensure a healthy, sustainable and liveable planet for future generations. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Al-Arafah Islami Bank for undertaking the tree plantation initiative at the University of Dhaka and said such initiatives would encourage other organizations to come forward for environmental protection.

In his presidential speech, Managing Director of the Bank Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan said, “Environmental conservation and greening are important components of our corporate social responsibility. Our responsibility does not end with planting trees; ensuring proper care and maintenance of the planted saplings is equally important. Through this tree plantation program at the University of Dhaka, we aim to convey a positive message about environmental protection and encourage collective efforts towards building a greener Bangladesh.”

Among others, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the University of Dhaka Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Karim; Chairman of the Department of Soil, Water and Environment Professor Dr. Abu Hena Md. Zulfiquar Ali, Professor Dr. Babuna Faiz, Professor Naderuzzaman, Professor Md. Mohiuddin, Director of Arboriculture Centre Professor Dr. Md. Zashim Uddin, Deputy Managing Director of the Bank Md. Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury, Senior Executive Vice President Md. Monjurul Alam, Senior Assistant Vice President Md. Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Vice President A. S. M. Shamsuddhoha and senior officials of the Bank were present at the program.

The speakers emphasized the importance of extensive tree plantation for environmental conservation, mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable development. They noted that tree plantation plays a significant role in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, improving air quality and reducing climate-related risks.

As part of its ongoing commitment to greening the country and addressing the risks posed by climate change, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has, as in previous years, taken an initiative this year to implement tree plantation program at eight leading universities across the country, including Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and the University of Chittagong, as well as at two branches of the Bank. Under the program, saplings of forest, fruit-bearing and medicinal species will be planted, with proper care and maintenance to be ensured for the planted trees.