Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan joined a discussion at Rangpur Circuit House on Sunday. Photo: PID

RANGPUR, Feb 9, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said beneficiaries of social forestry will receive an equivalent amount from Bangladesh Climate Trust Fund (BCCTF) instead of tree sales profits. 

She emphasised the need for protecting social forestry trees, allowing tree cutting only in urgent cases.

Rizwana also stressed the importance for planting native trees instead of Acacia and Eucalyptus.

She made these remarks while addressing a discussion at Rangpur Circuit House with officials from the Forest Department, the Department of Environment (DoE) and Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).

The environment adviser highlighted the necessity of effective coordination among government agencies to protect the environment. 

She said combating deforestation, pollution and water crisis requires collective efforts. 

In addition, she stressed the need for preserving natural reservoirs, restoring forests, and implementing pollution control measures to prevent droughts, floods and river erosion.

Rizwana instructed the DoE to take action against illegal brick kilns and prevent stone extraction. 

She also directed the BWDB to take immediate measures to prevent river erosion. 

Furthermore, Rizwana emphasised planting more native trees along embankments and engaging local communities in these initiatives.

Officials from the Forest Department, DoE and Water Development Board presented their activities and challenges. 

They noted that deforestation, industrial and agricultural pollution, and water flow management are major challenges in Rangpur region.

The meeting was attended by the BWDB Director General Engineer A.K.M. Tahmidul Islam; Conservator of Forests, Bogura Social Forestry Circle, Muhammad Subedar Islam; Chief Engineer of the BWDB, Md. Mahbubur Rahman; Director of the Department of Environment, Rangpur Division, A.K.M. Rafiqul Islam; were present, among others.