No more forest encroachment: 9,500 acres of land reclaimed, says Rizwana Hasan

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Environmental and Forest Adviser, declared that there will be no further encroachment on forestlands in Bangladesh. 

Stressing the urgent need to safeguard biodiversity and preserve forest areas, she mentioned that nearly 9,500 acres of forestland along the Cox’s Bazar coast had already been reclaimed from illegal encroachment.

She highlighted that this reclaimed land will play a vital role in restoring the natural flow of water and the preservation of coastal sand dunes. 

"This forest will protect the coastal people from tidal surges. Even if you don’t care about the rare animals associated with the forest, you must protect it as a natural shield for your own safety," Rizwana Hasan stressed.

Her comments come as the government has imposed a ban on building infrastructure that leads to forest destruction.

Back in 2017, Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) was allocated 9,467 acres of forestland in Cox’s Bazar’s Sonadia Island to establish an eco-tourism park. 

However, this move drew sharp criticism from environmentalists who warned that such development would pose a serious threat to the island’s biodiversity. 

Sonadia Island is well known as a significant breeding ground for migratory birds and sea turtles, both of which could be affected by the project.

In a related incident, sources revealed that in 2022, the previous government allocated 19.1 acres of forestland in the Khuniapalong Reserved Forest, Ramu Upazila of Cox’s Bazar, to the Football Federation. 

The land was earmarked for the construction of a technical training center by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). 

However, Rizwana Hasan confirmed that no further development projects that involve the destruction of forestland will be allowed under the interim government.

Rizwana emphasized the need for a shift in mindset when it comes to development planning, stating, 

"Whenever there is a development plan, we need to move away from the mentality of using forestland when there is a shortage of space. I don’t know if it would have been possible to reclaim even a small portion of the forest from BEZA in one lifetime. But the current leadership at BEZA shows sensitivity to this matter."

As part of the government‍‍`s ongoing efforts to restore the coastal environment and biodiversity, forestlands are being freed from encroachment in areas like Sonadia and Nijhum Islands. 

Dams that blocked the natural tidal water flow in canals are being removed, allowing water to return to its natural course. Additionally, steps are being taken to protect the sand dunes and beaches in these regions.

Rizwana Hasan also shared concerns about the dwindling number of tree species in Bangladesh. 

Five species, including talipalm and gola anjan, have already vanished from the country’s natural habitat, while seven more species are on the brink of extinction. 

However, efforts are underway to reintroduce at least ten species of trees during the upcoming monsoon season.

Her remarks reflect a broader commitment by the government to reverse the damage done to the country’s forests and ecosystems, ensuring that future development does not come at the cost of nature.