Bangladesh has enacted a new forest and tree conservation ordinance, imposing heavy fines for illegal felling, mandatory reforestation and tighter oversight of forest land records and management.
The President of Bangladesh has signed the Forest and Tree Conservation Ordinance, 2026, aiming to strengthen protection of trees and forest lands across the country. The new law introduces fines of up to BDT 100,000 for cutting trees listed as “prohibited” or declared endangered by the Forest Department, along with mandatory reforestation as compensation.
The ordinance, gazetted on Tuesday by the Ministry of Law, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs, also clarifies how forest lands will be surveyed, recorded and managed. Limited land exchanges are permitted for industrial projects under strict conditions. Any forest land less than one acre within a company or institution’s property may be exchanged, provided the company gives double the area of cleared land for conservation. The transferred land will be declared reserved forest by the government.
By introducing clear rules, heavy penalties and land management reforms, Bangladesh is signaling a firm commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable use of forest resources. The Forest Department is expected to publish updated lists of prohibited and permission-required trees in the official gazette within three months of the ordinance taking effect.
Under the ordinance, prior approval from a designated Tree Conservation Officer is required to fell trees in gazetted forests, unclassified state forests, social forests, government or autonomous institutions, educational institutions and public spaces. Applicants must submit detailed information including tree species, number, height and reason for cutting. The authority must issue a written decision within 30 days of inspection.
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, tree felling will follow rules under the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation, 1990. Any approved cutting must be compensated by planting equivalent species in the same area. Appeals against decisions can be made to the Chief Conservator of Forests within 15 days.
Certain exceptions exist: private lands, dead or storm-damaged trees, trees obstructing roads and trees posing risk to life or property can be removed without prior approval. However, harming trees with nails, metal or other instruments for non-commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. The Forest Department has been tasked with awareness campaigns and enforcement.
Violations carry strict penalties. Cutting prohibited trees can result in fines of up to BDT 100,000, felling permission-required trees up to BDT 50,000 and causing general tree damage up to BDT 20,000. Organizations responsible for illegal felling may face fines up to BDT 300,000, holding officials personally accountable. Forest officers are empowered to investigate, seize and take legal action in courts on behalf of the department.
The ordinance also introduces a detailed framework for forest land records. All gazetted, reserved or acquired forest lands will be registered under the Forest Department or District Commissioner and managed accordingly. Forest lands adjacent to private or khas lands must undergo joint surveys before allocation. The government may acquire private lands for forest expansion, while ensuring traditional forest rights of indigenous and hill communities, including those in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, are protected.
“This ordinance is a significant step toward protecting Bangladesh’s forests and biodiversity while balancing development needs,” said Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global. “We urge everyone to comply and contribute to reforestation to secure our environment for future generations.”
