Bangladesh’s interim government has approved sweeping new ordinances to protect forests and wildlife, tightening penalties for poaching, habitat damage and activities inside sanctuaries, amid concerns over enforcement and public awareness.
Bangladesh’s interim government has approved two comprehensive draft ordinances aimed at strengthening the protection of forests, biodiversity and wildlife, introducing tougher penalties for poaching, habitat destruction and environmental crimes amid mounting ecological pressure.
The approval came on Thursday at a meeting of the Advisory Council held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
While environmental groups have welcomed the tougher legal framework, some activists cautioned that enforcement and public awareness will determine its effectiveness. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the ordinances would significantly strengthen environmental security in Bangladesh.
“These laws will play a vital role in conserving forests, biodiversity and wildlife, ensuring a safer natural environment for future generations,” she said.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the council endorsed the Forest and Tree Conservation Ordinance, 2025 and the Wildlife Conservation and Security Ordinance, 2025, replacing long-standing laws that authorities say no longer reflect current environmental realities or international conservation standards.
The ministry noted that the Forest Act of 1927, which has governed forest management for nearly a century, is no longer adequate in addressing challenges such as climate change, population growth, rapid urbanisation, illegal land grabbing and large-scale deforestation.
The Forest and Tree Conservation Ordinance, 2025 introduces provisions to protect natural forests, preserve forest land records and boundaries, restore degraded forests and control invasive species. It also updates lists of protected and harvestable tree species and introduces technology-based monitoring systems to prevent illegal occupation and encroachment.
The ordinance includes safeguards for the rights of indigenous and forest-dependent communities and recognises their traditional livelihoods, while requiring compensation where conservation measures affect those livelihoods.
The ordinances were formally issued on Wednesday by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The Wildlife Conservation and Security Ordinance, 2025 replaces the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2012, citing enforcement limitations and changes in global conservation policies.
The new ordinance criminalises hunting, killing, trafficking, trade and commercial use of wildlife and prioritises the protection of habitats. It introduces strict penalties for offences involving endangered species.
Under Section 41(1), hunting a Bengal tiger or Asian elephant carries a minimum prison sentence of two years and a maximum of seven years, along with fines ranging from Tk100,000 to Tk1 million. Repeat offenders could face up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to Tk1.5 million.
Section 41(2) states that unauthorised possession, transport or trade of tiger or elephant trophies, meat or body parts will be punishable by up to three years in prison or fines of up to Tk300,000. Repeat offences could lead to five years’ imprisonment or fines of up to Tk500,000 or both.
Hunting or killing other protected species, including bears, wolves, jackals, wild cats, leopards, otters, monkeys, pangolins, porcupines, deer, vultures, whales, eagles, parrots, crocodiles, turtles, pythons, monitor lizards and sharks, will be punishable by up to three years in prison or fines of up to Tk300,000. Repeat offences carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment or fines of up to Tk500,000.
The ordinance makes it mandatory to consult local communities when determining the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Commercial establishments and brick kilns are prohibited within two kilometres of protected areas.
Activities such as farming, mining, setting fires and introducing invasive foreign plant species inside sanctuaries are completely banned. However, the law includes special compensation provisions to protect the customary rights and livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
The law also recognises ancient trees, sacred trees, heritage trees and traditional forest groves as critical wildlife habitats. Destroying such trees without necessity for saving human life is punishable by up to six months in prison or a fine of Tk50,000.
Under Section 19 of the ordinance, picnics have been banned in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Violating any of the listed restrictions under this section may result in up to three years in prison or fines of up to Tk300,000, with harsher penalties for repeat offences.
Restrictions have also been imposed on activities in safari parks, eco-parks, botanical gardens, breeding centres and special biodiversity conservation areas. Unauthorised video filming or documentary production in these areas may result in up to six months’ imprisonment or fines of Tk50,000.
Bangladesh currently has 25 wildlife sanctuaries and 19 national parks, many of which, including Bhawal National Park, Lawachara, Satchari and Ramsagar, have long been popular picnic destinations.
The ordinance mandates the formation of a Wildlife Trust Fund to support rescue, rehabilitation, research, training and conservation initiatives. A Wildlife Crime Control Unit will be established at airports, land ports and seaports, involving police, customs and border guards to combat wildlife trafficking.
A scientific committee will be formed to resolve technical issues and serve as the national authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Forest officers have been granted authority to arrest offenders without prior court orders, and provisions allow for immediate disposal of perishable seized items. Convicted individuals may appeal verdicts within 30 days.
Respecting cultural traditions, the ordinance exempts wildlife trophies or memorabilia collected by indigenous communities before the enactment of the law from seizure.
Ferdous Ahmed Uzzal, general secretary of the Environment and Climate Change Movement, said Bangladesh does not lack laws but rather effective implementation.
“Imposing blanket punishments alone will not bring real change,” he said, adding that environmental education and social awareness must be strengthened alongside enforcement.
