Dhaka: A nationwide environmental movement has taken root in Bangladesh as the country’s Catholic community, inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, advances an ambitious initiative to plant one million trees. The effort, launched by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) in 2020, has grown into a broad-based, interfaith campaign that reflects both ecological urgency and a shared humanitarian responsibility.
Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, faces a grim reality of floods, cyclones, and river erosion that displace thousands every year. Ranked ninth globally for disaster risk, the country struggles with migration pressures as villagers abandon eroded lands for crowded cities. Against this backdrop, the bishops’ initiative seeks not only to green the nation but also to instill a culture of environmental stewardship rooted in faith and community.
Father Tushar James Gomes, assistant secretary general of the CBCB, said the project demonstrates the Church’s response to climate change. “Planting trees remains one of the most powerful actions we can take,” he explained. “Laudato Si’ has awakened a sense of responsibility, teaching us that caring for creation is no longer optional but essential.” Alongside tree planting, parishes are introducing eco-friendly practices such as phasing out plastic bottles and single-use materials, aiming to transform churches into “green and clean” spaces.
The Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace has been central to the campaign, translating and publishing Laudato Si’ in Bengali to make its message accessible. Holy Cross Father Liton H. Gomes noted that awareness now extends beyond Catholic circles. “Non-Christians who work with us or benefit from our services have joined in tree planting and environmental protection,” he said. “The encyclical has become a source of solidarity across communities.”
The initiative is also intertwined with socio-economic development, another key theme of Pope Francis’ teaching. Cooperative societies have been established in impoverished districts like Bandarban and Bagerhat to strengthen livelihoods. In regions troubled by elephant attacks and climate-induced migration, the Church has provided financial relief, reflecting its dual focus on ecological and human dignity.
Lay leaders, too, have embraced the mission. Hemanta Corraya, secretary general of the Bangladesh Christian Association, said hundreds of trees planted through church cooperatives are now bearing fruit. “By promoting tree planting, we are aligning ourselves with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on climate action,” he remarked.
In Rajshahi, diocesan priest Father Sagor Corraya oversaw the planting of 4,500 palm tree seeds, which are believed to reduce lightning casualties a common threat in Bangladesh. “If trees survive, the world survives,” he reminded students and villagers, underlining the long-term vision of the initiative.
Interfaith collaboration has been another hallmark. In June this year, Catholics, Protestants, and representatives of World Vision Bangladesh gathered for workshops on environmental responsibility. Reverend David A. Das, of the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh, said Pope Francis’ call was timely: “Climate change is our life-and-death issue. All churches, all religions must act together.”
Even Muslim leaders have joined the dialogue. Mazharul Islam, a khatib at Dhaka’s Kawranbazar Mosque, said he was deeply moved by the Pope’s reference to the earth as “Mother Earth.” Praising the Christian community’s leadership, he noted, “They are acting not only out of faith but also from a profound sense of humanitarian and environmental duty. Islam, too, calls us to protect creation and care for the poor.”
From fruit-bearing trees to interfaith dialogues, Bangladesh’s Catholics are showing that the message of Laudato Si’ resonates far beyond church walls. In a country where climate change is an existential threat, the effort to plant one million trees has become both a spiritual witness and a practical step toward a more sustainable, compassionate future.