DHAKA, Jan 7, 2026 (BSS) - The government has issued the Forest and Tree Conservation Ordinance, 2026, introducing stricter measures to protect trees and forests, including a provision for a maximum fine of Tk 20,000 for damaging trees with nails or other metallic objects.

The ordinance was issued on Tuesday by the Printing and Publications Branch of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, according to an official handout released today. It has been published in gazette form in the public interest.

Under the ordinance, harming trees by using nails or metallic objects is prohibited, except for commercial production purposes. Any violation of this provision may result in a fine of up to Tk 20,000, as determined by the court.

The ordinance also stipulates that trees located in gazetted forests, unclassified state forests, social forestry areas, government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and other public places may be felled or removed only with prior approval from the Forest Conservation Officer, in accordance with Sections 4 and 6 of the Forest Act, 1927.

To ensure effective implementation, the Chief Conservator of Forests will appoint Divisional Forest Officers as Tree Conservation Officers.

According to the gazette notification, trees that have been declared prohibited or identified as endangered by the Forest Department cannot be felled. However, permission may be granted to cut trees on privately owned land subject to specific conditions.

Applicants seeking permission must submit a prescribed application form detailing the species, number, approximate height, girth at breast height, and reasons for felling the trees. The concerned authority must issue a written decision within 30 days of application submission, following verification and on-site inspection.

In addition, the ordinance provides for a maximum fine of Tk 100,000 for the illegal cutting of trees.