DHAKA, March 18, 2025 (BSS) - A 40-year lease renewal agreement for rubber plantations has been signed between the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC) and the Forest Department.

The Forest Department today officially transferred 38,184.48 acres of land for 18 rubber plantations to BFIDC.

The agreement signing ceremony took place at the ministry's conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a press release of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

The event was graced by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources.

Chief Conservator of Forests from the Forest Department Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury and BFIDC Chairman Md. Nasir Uddin Ahmed signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides. 

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry, along with senior officials from both entities.

Speaking at the event, Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the lease renewal was initiated by the ministry since the previous agreement had expired in 2003. 

She emphasised that this renewal would enhance government revenue, resolve legal complexities related to land encroachment, and contribute significantly to maintaining climate balance through natural rubber cultivation.