Shakti Foundation, Mutual Trust Bank launch Miyawaki Urban Forest project

Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women in partnership with Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB) and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), inaugurated Dhaka’s second Miyawaki Urban Forest at Uttara Sector-17 Lakeside in the capital. 

The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday in observance of World Nature Conservation Day, said a press release.

Applying the Miyawaki afforestation method, the initiative seeks to restore urban green spaces and create a healthier, more climate-resilient city.

The opening function ceremony was graced by Engineer Md. Riazul Islam, Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), as the chief guest. 

Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Mutual Trust Bank PLC, attended the function as the special guest while the ceremonial function was chaired by Imran Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director of Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women.

In his address, Engineer Md. Riazul Islam emphasised on the vital role of urban forests in building a greener and more climate-resilient Dhaka. 

He called upon communities, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to take collective ownership of such initiatives and work together to ensure their long-term care and sustainability.

Riazul Islam said, "I sincerely thank Shakti Foundation for undertaking this important initiative and supporting RAJUK in fulfilling its commitment to creating a greener and livable Dhaka."

Representing the private sector, Syed Mahbubur Rahman put stress on the importance of restoring green spaces in rapidly urbanising cities. 

Reflecting on his childhood memories of Dhaka, Mahbubur Rahman said, "When I was growing up, Dhaka was much greener, with open spaces and trees that made the city more livable. As our cities continue to expand, initiatives like this Miyawaki Urban Forest remind us that development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand.” 

On behalf of the implementing partner Imran Ahmed reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to integrating climate action with sustainable resources and initiatives.

“Planting trees is only the beginning; the greater responsibility is to nurture them. From our experience, we know that if these trees are properly cared for during their first two years, they can grow into thriving forests that will benefit communities and the environment for generations to come.”

Also present at the event were Mohammad Bashirul Haque Bhuiyan, Member (Planning), RAJUK; Md. Muzaffar Uddin, Chief Engineer (Projects & Design), RAJUK; Md. Aminur Rahman, Chief Engineer (Implementation), RAJUK; Mohammad Mamun Faruk, Deputy Managing Director & Head of Wholesale Banking Division, Mutual Trust Bank PLC; Mostafizur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge, Turag Model Police Station, Dhaka Metropolitan Police; and other distinguished representatives from the government, development sector, law enforcement, and the banking industry.

Spread across 2,285 square metres, the Miyawaki forest features 6,100 trees representing 93 native fruit, flower, and medicinal species. 

The project reflects a shared commitment by government, the private sector, and development partners to advancing nature-based solutions that enhance climate resilience and improve the quality of urban life.