The prime minister categorically said that devourers cannot be kept as protectors at the state level blaming the forest department of their inability to keep the wealth of the forests intact. Now it will not be out of place to mention here about the actual effect of afforestation and deforestation for the awareness of both the common men and sensible people entrusted with the responsibility of associating themselves with the plantation and preservation of trees in the forest and other areas. Bangladesh is still called green Bangladesh which has been possible due to its favourable climate and weather, soil and water. The total area of forest according to the statistics given by the department of forest is about 2.52 million hectares covering 17.04 percent of the country. There are various types of forests existing in Bangladesh which can be classified as hilly forest, natural mangrove forest, shal forest etc but these are now going to be exhausted due to the activities of some dishonest persons.

It is a matter of great regret that the balance of proportion and harmony between the population and vegetation in the country no longer exist. The increase in population and gradual decrease of land under tree cover has endangered ecological balance and this imbalance is a major cause of natural disaster and catastrophe. It is usually felt by all of us that increased number of trees should be grown very rapidly to prevent calamity and save the environment but in practice it is not done. The main objective of holding national tree plantation movement and fair was to encourage and motivate every one to plant at least two trees each year and grow the habit of planting trees. The country has to be abounded with greenery and natural wealth. Afforestation means plantation of trees very rapidly on every available land and the denuded forest areas and this programme should be intensified for our existence and safeguard of the deteriorating environment.

Deforestation has reduced the forested area of the world by half. The extent of deforestation is now threatening the ecological balance of the earth, so this has become a global issue and naturally, Bangladesh is also in the grip of this danger and must overcome it without further delay. Forests play an important role in maintaining the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere through the biochemical processes of photosynthesis by trees. Bangladesh is a poor country and the people in the villages depend solely on wood to meet their need of fuel and they are allured to cut trees indiscriminately from the forest for fuel wood. This results in increased amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and consequently temperature also goes up and natural disasters such as flood, cyclone occur to the distress of the country. Forests are cleared for crop planting and building homesteads. This has created an alarming situation for our country and the consequences of deforestation are very much devastating here.

Extensive deforestation may warm up climate, the sea level will rise and for Bangladesh it will be a catastrophic event as a sizable portion of its productive and populated land will be engulfed by the sea. The present government is definitely aware of the situation prevailing in the country relating to the adverse impacts of deforestation and has thus outlined programmes of afforestation of new areas and reforestation of degraded forest lands. Every year tree plantation movement is undertaken by Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment and Forest but the question arises in the mind of the people whether the ministry has been taking any effective measures against the persons involved in smuggling of the forest resources. The importance of sowing seedlings of medicinal herbal plants, fruits and forest tress were the main topics of the tree fair and it is expected every body will come forward during the ongoing rainy season implementing the idea given by the Hon'ble PM and the President of the country.

Tree plantation on strips of road sides, sides of railway tracks, canal banks and embankments must be taken up by the respective proper authorities and it is hoped all possible immediate measures will be chalked out to benefit the farmers as well as ensure the success of afforestation and reforestation programme. Deforestation initiated by dishonest persons should be properly handled ensuring strict punishment for those involved in this type of destructive practices.

Lastly, emphasis may be given on private initiative in the cultivation of herbal medicinal plants along with fruit trees at homesteads. Awareness should be made about the medicinal value of herbal plants. It really depicts an unhappy picture of our indifference when we see many such species are in danger of extinction. Herbal plants are easily available in nature but no research has yet been carried out to identify their utility. Time has come that attention should be given to these herbal and other medicinal plants used against health hazard and these can also help alleviate poverty and sufferings of many common people.

Dr. Md. Shahjahan Ali is Professor, Dept. of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.