Forests will not be destroyed: Environment Minister 

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said that the country’s forests should be considered as resources and it will not be destroyed by constructing roads or any other infrastructures.

The minister said this at a discussion organized by the Department of Forest at Ban Bhaban in the city on Thursday, marking the International Day of Forests-2024.

“A law is being formulated to protect forests. Forest research will be strengthened. By working together to conserve forests, wildlife and biodiversity, we can present a beautiful Bangladesh to the future and present generations,” he said.

Saber Hossain said forestation and forest monitoring activities are being digitised. Smart patrolling system in the Sundarbans is successfully monitoring forest and preventing crimes there.

The process of preparing mobile apps is underway to get tickets and other services online for travel to the Sundarbans and other protected forest areas, the minister said.

Chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Administration) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Aranyak Foundation Chairman Prof Dr AZM Manzoor Rashid and Project Director of Sufal Gobind Roy.