Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, emphasised that no matter how influential illegal forest occupiers may be, the government is committed to taking decisive action to reclaim encroached lands.
Since August 5, 16 acres of illegally occupied forest land in Gazipur have already been recovered out of a total of 90 acres under encroachment.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on forest and environmental conservation held at the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday, Rizwana Hasan announced that the government plans to recover all occupied forest land within the next three months.
She also instructed district commissioners to expedite the demarcation of forest boundaries.
Highlighting the importance of environmental preservation, she warned industries against deforestation and pollution, urging the Department of Environment to thoroughly review permit applications and include public opinions during renewal processes.
The meeting, chaired by Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, was attended by senior government officials, local representatives, environmental activists, and members of the security forces.
Participants discussed challenges such as illegal forest occupation and industrial pollution.
Rizwana Hasan assured swift government intervention to address these issues and called on citizens and organizations to actively contribute to environmental protection.
