Ban on felling of trees in preserved forests
Bss, Dhaka
Environment and Forest Ministry yesterday decided to impose a ban on felling of trees in "preserved natural forests" until 2010, aiming to ensure afforestation of 25 percent of land in the country.The ban comes into effect immediately, sources in the ministry said. The decision was taken at a meeting of the ministry held at its conference room with Environment Minister Tariqul Islam in the chair. State Minister for Environment and Forest Zafrul Islam Chowdhury, Forest Secretary Zafar Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forest M Osman Gani and Director General of Environment Directorate Khan Mohammad Ibrahim Hossain were also present. Describing forests as "national resources", Tariqul Islam said the forest officials have to be more sincere in checking felling and plunder of trees in preserved forests. He also asked the officials to take urgent and effective measures to recover the forest land from the encroachers.ll necessary assistance would be provided to recover the forest land that has been encroached with the connivance of a vested quarters," he said and warned that "None would be spared in this regard." The minister also said stern action would also be taken against corrupt officials.
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