An exchange of views meeting between Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and officials of the Forest Department was held today at the department's headquarters in Agargaon here. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 13, 2026 (BSS) - An exchange of views meeting between Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and officials of the Forest Department was held today at the department's headquarters in Agargaon here.

Speaking as the chief guest at the meeting, the minister said tree plantation programs will be undertaken in coastal areas, particularly in char (riverine island) regions, in line with the current government's electoral pledge. The initiative will address the country's forest deficit.

He further stated that the ministry will take necessary steps to recover encroached forest lands.

The Minister directed divisional and district-level officials of the Forest Department to submit their problems and challenges in writing. Based on this information, an integrated checklist will be formulated, and activities will be undertaken on a priority basis for forest conservation, preventing deforestation, and freeing encroached lands, he noted.

Speaking as special guest, State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam urged divisional forest officers to collect information regarding encroached forest lands.

He said necessary measures will be taken based on accurate data. Additionally, he informed that ongoing operations to suppress bandits in the Sundarbans continue.