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Speaking as the chief guest at a development-related meeting of the Forest Department held at the Forest Bhaban in the capital on Saturday (August 9), she emphasized the importance of protecting forested areas, conserving biodiversity, and taking integrated steps to combat climate change alongside increasing forest cover.
As part of the initiative to expand forest coverage, the advisor stated that measures will be taken to create forests on newly emerged river chars, coastal areas, and fallow lands. To support this goal, modern training programs will be introduced to enhance the skills of forest workers.
Highlighting the importance of conserving endangered wildlife, she announced that a digital monitoring system will be implemented to ensure transparency and efficiency in the Forest Department’s activities, enabling employees to carry out development work in compliance with regulations. As part of endangered wildlife conservation efforts, the “Elephant Corridor Restoration” program will be undertaken, and a special orphanage for captive elephants will be established.
Plans are also in place to promote community tourism in the Madhupur area to foster local economic development while advancing nature conservation. To instill a love for nature and biodiversity among children and youth, a state-of-the-art Nature Learning Center will be established in Purbachal, Dhaka.
The advisor remarked, “Our forests are not just a collection of trees—they are the shield of our lives. Everyone must come forward to enhance and protect our forest cover.”
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, along with senior officials from the ministry and the Forest Department.
