DHAKA, Oct 7, 2023 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said the government recovered 24,322 acres of encroached forest land and brought it under afforestation in the last three years. 

"The government recovered 24,322 acres of encroached forest land between October 2020 and August 2023 and brought it under afforestation," he told journalists after unveiling a newly built mural of Bangabandhu in Tangail.

The mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was built at Dokhla Range of Madhupur Jatiya Udyan in Tangail under the Ecotourism Development and Sustainable Management Project, said a press release here.

Noting that the process of recovering illegally grabbed forest land is going on, the environment minister said the drive will continue against those who occupy the forest land without valid documents.

"We have 22.37 percent forest area, which needs to be increased to 25 percent," Shahab Uddin said and urged the general people to come forward along with the government to attain this target. 

Creating awareness among people will reduce illegal encroachment of forest land and encourage the people to plant trees, he said and sought cooperation from mass media in this regard.

Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque, Md Joaherul Islam, MP, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Gobinda Roy and Forest Conservator of Central Circle Hossain Mohammad Nishad were present on the occasion, among others.