Govt Unveils Plan to Raise Forest Coverage to 20%

A development meeting of the Forest Department at Ban Bhaban in Dhaka

The government will launch a comprehensive programme to expand state-controlled forest coverage to 20 percent of Bangladesh’s total land area, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced on Saturday.

Speaking at a development meeting of the Forest Department at Ban Bhaban in Dhaka, Rizwana outlined a series of targeted afforestation drives focusing on newly emerged riverine chars, coastal belts, and unused lands across the country. The initiative will be supported by modern training programmes to boost the skills of forest workers.

The plan integrates forest protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation measures. A digital monitoring system will be introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency in departmental operations.

Wildlife conservation will also receive priority, with projects to restore elephant corridors, create an orphanage for captive elephants, and promote community-based tourism in Madhupur. In addition, a Nature Learning Centre will be established in Purbachal to educate children and adolescents on biodiversity.

“Our forests are not merely a collection of trees — they are a shield for our lives. We must all come forward to expand and conserve them,” Rizwana said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Ministry Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed and Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury.