Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has announced a comprehensive action plan to expand government-controlled forest land in Bangladesh to 20 per cent of the country’s total area.
Speaking at a meeting on the development of the Forest Directorate in Dhaka on Saturday, August 9, she outlined initiatives to enhance forest coverage through strategic afforestation and conservation efforts.
The plan includes creating new forest areas in emerging chars, coastal regions, and fallow lands along the country’s rivers.
To support these efforts, modern training programmes will be introduced to enhance the skills of forest workers, ensuring effective implementation of afforestation projects.
Rizwana also revealed plans to introduce a digital monitoring system to increase transparency and efficiency within the Forest Department, enabling employees to carry out forest development activities in accordance with regulations.
To protect endangered wildlife, the government will launch an ‘Elephant Corridor Restoration’ programme and establish a dedicated orphanage for captive elephants.
Further initiatives include promoting community tourism in the Madhupur area to support both local economic development and nature conservation.
Additionally, a state-of-the-art Nature Learning Centre will be established in Purbachal, Dhaka, to foster an appreciation for nature and biodiversity among children and young people.
“Our forests are not merely a collection of trees—they are vital to safeguarding our lives,” Rizwana emphasised. “Everyone must play a role in expanding and conserving our forest land.”
The meeting was attended by Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shamima Begum, Joint Secretary (Forest), Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, and other senior officials from the ministry and the Forest Department.