Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke at a meeting on the development of the Forest Department at Ban Bhaban in the capital today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 9, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said the government will take a well-structured programme to increase the coverage of state-controlled forests to 20 percent of the country's total land area.

She said as part of efforts to expand forest coverage, afforestation initiatives will be undertaken on newly emerged riverine chars, coastal zones, and other fallow lands across the country. 

To achieve this goal, modern training programmes will be introduced to enhance the skills of forest workers, she said. 

The environment adviser made these remarks while presiding over a meeting on the development of the Forest Department at Ban Bhaban in the capital.

She emphasised the need for integrated measures not only to increase forest coverage but also to protect forest areas, conserve biodiversity, and address the impacts of climate change.

Rizwana further said that to ensure transparency and efficiency in the activities of the Forest Department, a digital monitoring system will be introduced so that officials can perform their duties in accordance with the rules and actively contribute to forest development.

As part of endangered wildlife conservation efforts, an Elephant Corridor Restoration programme will be implemented, and a dedicated orphanage for captive elephants will be established, she said. 

Additionally, the adviser said, community tourism initiatives will be launched in the Madhupur area to promote both local economic development and nature conservation.

To instill a love for nature and biodiversity among children and adolescents, an advanced Nature Learning Centre will be set up in Purbachal, Dhaka, she said. 

"Our forests are not merely a collection of trees - they are a shield for our lives. We must all come forward to expand and conserve our forests," Rizwana said.

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 Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; and other senior officials from the Ministry and the Forest Department.