Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo. File photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 18, 2026 (BSS) – Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today informed Parliament that Bangladesh currently has 23 lakh hectares of forest land, accounting for 15.58 percent of the country’s total land area.

Replying to a scripted tabled question from BNP lawmaker Khairul Kabir Khokon (Narsingdi-1), the minister said, “The total forest area in the country is 23 lakh hectares, which constitutes 15.58 percent of the total geographical area of Bangladesh.”

The minister said the government has undertaken a series of measures to protect forests and forest land across the country.

He told the House, “Patrolling activities have been strengthened to protect forests and forest land. Smart patrolling systems using Cyber Tracker technology have been introduced in the Sundarbans and other protected areas.”

Highlighting the use of modern technology, he said, “Drone technology is being used for the maintenance and monitoring of forests and forest land, as well as for controlling forest-related crimes.”

The minister added that local communities are being actively involved in forest conservation efforts through co-management and collaborative forest management initiatives.

“Forest management activities are being carried out by engaging local communities through co-management and collaborative forest management approaches,” he said.

Abdul Awal Mintoo further said the government is increasing tree cover through large-scale production of saplings and afforestation programmes under both revenue and development projects.
He also noted that initiatives have been taken to expand the country’s protected areas for the conservation of forests and wildlife.

The minister said, “Digital mapping of forests and forest land is being carried out to strengthen protection and management efforts.”

To raise public awareness, the government is organizing and promoting activities such as National Tree Plantation Campaigns, Wildlife Day observances and Wildlife Olympiads across the country, he added.

Referring to the Forest and Tree Conservation Act, 2026, the minister said, “Under Section 6(4) of the Forest and Tree Conservation Act, 2026, surveys, boundary demarcation and record updating of forest land are being implemented through the Department of Land Records and Surveys on a priority basis as identified by the Forest Department.”