Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that beneficiaries of social forestry will receive an equivalent amount from the Climate Trust Fund instead of profits from tree sales.
She emphasised the need to protect social forestry trees, allowing tree cutting only in urgent cases. She also stressed the importance of planting native trees rather than Acacia and Eucalyptus.
She made these remarks on Sunday while addressing a discussion meeting at the Rangpur Circuit House with officials from the Forest Department, Department of Environment, and Water Development Board.
The Adviser highlighted the necessity of effective coordination among government agencies to protect the environment. She stated that combating deforestation, pollution, and water crises requires collective efforts.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of preserving natural reservoirs, restoring forests, and implementing pollution control measures to address droughts, floods, and river erosion.
The Adviser instructed the Department of Environment to take action against illegal brick kilns and prevent stone extraction. She also directed the Water Development Board to take immediate measures to prevent river erosion.
Furthermore, she emphasised the need to plant more native trees along embankments and involve local communities in these efforts.
Officials from the Forest Department, Department of Environment, and Water Development Board presented their activities and challenges.
They highlighted that deforestation, industrial and agricultural pollution, and water flow management are major challenges in the Rangpur region.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Engineer A.K.M. Tahmidul Islam; the Conservator of Forests, Bogura Social Forestry Circle, Muhammad Subedar Islam; Chief Engineer of the Water Development Board, Md. Mahbubur Rahman; Director of the Department of Environment, Rangpur Division, A.K.M. Rafiqul Islam; and other senior officials.
