Forest covers 15.58pc of land area 

Bangladesh has 23 lakh hectares of forest land, accounting for 15.58 per cent of the country's total geographical area, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo told Parliament on Thursday.

Replying to a scripted tabled question from BNP lawmaker Khairul Kabir Khokon of Narsingdi-1, the minister said the total forest area in the country stands at 23 lakh hectares.

Referring to the Forest and Tree Conservation Act, 2026, he said surveys, boundary demarcation and record updating of forest land are being carried out on a priority basis by the Department of Land Records and Surveys as identified by the Forest Department.

The minister said the government has undertaken a series of measures to protect forests across the country. Patrolling activities have been strengthened, while smart patrolling systems using Cyber Tracker technology have been introduced in the Sundarbans and other protected areas.

He said drone technology is being used for monitoring forests and controlling forest-related crimes.

Abdul Awal Mintoo said local communities are being actively involved in conservation efforts through co-management and collaborative forest management initiatives.

He also said the government is increasing tree cover through large-scale sapling production and afforestation programmes under both revenue and development projects.

The minister noted that initiatives have been taken to expand protected areas for the conservation of forests and wildlife.

He added that digital mapping of forests is being carried out to strengthen protection and management efforts.
To raise public awareness, the government is organising activities such as National Tree Plantation Campaigns, Wildlife Day observances and Wildlife Olympiads across the country, he said.