Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, stated that beneficiaries of social forestry will receive an equivalent amount from the Climate Trust Fund instead of tree sales profits. She emphasized the need to protect social forestry trees, allowing tree cutting only in urgent cases. She also stressed the importance of planting native trees instead of Acacia and Eucalyptus.
She made these remarks on 9 February 2025 Sunday while addressing a discussion meeting at Rangpur Circuit House with officials from the Forest Department, Department of Environment, and Water Development Board.
The Adviser highlighted the necessity of effective coordination among government agencies to protect the environment. She stated that combating deforestation, pollution, and water crises requires collective efforts. Additionally, she stressed the need for preserving natural reservoirs, restoring forests, and implementing pollution control measures to tackle droughts, floods, and river erosion.
Advisor instructed the Department of Environment to take action against illegal brick kilns and prevent stone extraction. She also directed the Water Development Board to take immediate measures to prevent river erosion. Furthermore, she emphasized planting more native trees along embankments and engaging local communities in these initiatives.
Officials from the Forest Department, Department of Environment, 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 the Rangpur region.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Bangla Water Development Board, Engineer A.K.M. Tahmidul Islam; Conservator of Forests, Bogura Social Forestry Circle, Muhammad Subedar Islam; Chief Engineer of the Water Development Board, Md. Mahbubur Rahman; Director of the Department of Environment, Rangpur Division, A.K.M. Rafiqul Islam; and other senior officials.