Shakti and MetLife Foundation, have jointly funded the green transformation of the road medians from Dhaka Army Stadium to Jahangir Gate, and from Bijoy Sarani to Farmgate with the plantation of approximately 17,000 functional, aesthetic, and sustainable trees and plants. In collaboration with Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Shakti Foundation has successfully implemented the project and will maintain the space for next one year.
The Project titled, “Nogor Shobujayon Prokolpo”, was inaugurated on 18th November, 2023 at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) Auditorium by Chief Guest Mr. Md. Atiqul Islam, Honorable Mayor of DNCC. In his inaugural speech, the Honorable Mayor highly praised the initiative. He called upon the private sector as well as corporate entities to take inspiration from Shakti Foundation and MetLife Foundation and come forward with innovative initiatives that will create a healthy Dhaka City for future generations.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Md Selim Reza, Chief Executive Officer of DNCC, high officials and ward councilors of the respective areas, and dignitaries of different national and international organizations. Mr. Imran Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director, Shakti Foundation; Mr, Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, MetLife Bangladesh; and Mr. Shykh Seraj, Founder, Director and Head of News, Channel I, were present on the occasion.
Mr. Imran Ahmed said, “Bangladesh has made remarkable progress but at the same time is facing significant climate change risk. Dhaka is often at the top with regards to the air pollution index. It is our collective duty to turn our beloved city into a pollution-free, beautiful city. Hence, Shakti Foundation is joining hands with different organizations such as DNCC and MetLife Foundation.”
Mr. Ala Ahmad commented, "MetLife has a long history in Bangladesh and through MetLife Foundation's contribution, we are honored to support the new initiative that aims towards building a greener and healthier community."
Mr. Shykh Seraj said, “Nogor Shobujayon is a great initiative. Trees are needed for a healthy environment. Everyone should plant more and more trees.” He also emphasized on the importance of rooftop gardening.
Everyone expressed their sincere hope and enthusiasm that green infrastructure projects like Nogor Shobujayon Prokolpo will create a beautiful, lush and environment-friendly Dhaka City for future generations.