Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke to reporters after visiting the municipal garbage dumping site in Cox's Bazar. Photo: PID

 
COX'S BAZAR, April 24, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said about 12,000 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar, previously allocated to various agencies, will be returned to the Forest Department.
 
Talking to reporters following a visit to the municipal garbage dumping site on the banks of the Bakkhali River here, she said steps will be taken to free Cox's Bazar's rivers, forests, and beaches from encroachment and pollution. 
 
The environment adviser said no construction will be allowed in Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA) without approval. 
 
"No government or private construction will be considered without approval from the Department of Environment, Forest Department, and the District Administration," she warned. 

Rizwana said any violation of regulations will be dealt with legally. 
 
"If we do not immediately curb the encroachment and pollution of the beach, it will soon turn into private property. We will not allow that to happen," she said.
 
She mentioned that considering the limited timeframe, the interim government is putting emphasis on several urgent actions. 
 
Already, 700 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar has been recovered, Rizwana said, adding that construction on 150 acres of illegally occupied forestland by an individual is being halted, and 20 acres allocated for a football academy is being reclaimed. 
 
She also noted that she has requested the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to recover 51 acres of land since assuming her responsibilities. 
 
Additionally, the adviser said, efforts are underway to return land allocated to BEZA on Sonadia Island to the Forest Department.
 
Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser to the Ministries of Shipping and Labour & Employment; Md. Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources; Md. Salahuddin, Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar; Md. Saifuddin Shahin, Superintendent of Police; Molla Rezaul Karim, Conservator of Forests, Chattogram Forest Circle; and Rubaiya Afroze, Administrator of Cox's Bazar Municipality and senior officials from different government entities were present.