Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, said that stricter measures will be taken to protect forests and the environment in the country.

“No matter how powerful the illegal occupants are, we will take action against them,” she said during a discussion on forest and environmental conservation held at the conference room of the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday.

A total of 16 acres out of 90 of forest land were recovered from illegal occupation in Gazipur after the 5 August changeover, she said, adding that the government knows how to pay a counter to the forest land grabbers.

She announced plans to recover all occupied lands within the next three months and instructed district commissioners to expedite the process of demarcating forest boundaries.

She further mentioned that strict actions would also be taken to prevent deforestation and pollution caused by industries.

She advised the Department of Environment to thoroughly review all aspects before issuing permission and to include public opinion during the renewal process.

The meeting was presided over by Gazipur District Commissioner Nafisa Arefin and attended by the Superintendent of Police, the Commander of the Army Security Unit, the Commander of 63 BGB, the Secretary of Gazipur City Corporation, officials from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment, government and non-government officials, local representatives, and environmental activists.

Participants discussed local environmental issues, illegal forest occupation and air pollution in and around the area.

The advisor assured prompt action to resolve these problems and urged government and private organisations and citizens to play an active role in protecting the environment.