CU Correspondent
Defeat at the ballot box has not stopped Imam Hasan from pursuing his environmental cause. The Chhatra Dal-backed candidate for social service and environment affairs secretary lost his bid in the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election, but turned that setback into fresh motivation, organizing a rally and tree distribution program to raise awareness among students about protecting the university’s hills, forests and biodiversity.
The rally, titled “Rise for the Environment,” began at 1:30 pm on Sunday (August 30) from the university’s Shaheed Minar premises. It moved through several roads before ending in front of the CUCSU building. A group of environment-conscious students took part in the event.
Speaking about his election defeat, Imam Hasan said, “I contested for the post of social service and environment affairs secretary from the panel nominated by Chhatra Dal. I could not win the election. But the result of one election cannot stop environmental protection work. I want to continue this work as much as I can from my own position.”
After the rally, around 100 fruit and timber tree saplings were distributed among students. Later, at a short program in front of the CUCSU building, he spoke about the importance of environmental conservation and what students can do to protect the university’s natural resources.
He said Chittagong University is well known for its hills, forests and biodiversity, but this natural environment is under threat due to hill cutting, deforestation and unplanned development, among other reasons. He added that students need to become more aware about these issues.
He said the program plans to eventually plant and distribute more than 500 trees at the university’s residential halls, various faculties and open spaces in phases. In the first phase, around 100 fruit and timber saplings have already been distributed.
Imam Hasan said their goal is not just planting trees. Building environmental awareness among students to protect the university’s hills, forests, water bodies and biodiversity is also an important part of this initiative.
Organizers hope that such ongoing programs will further increase student participation in protecting the university’s natural environment.