The 2,285-square-metre forest in Uttara features 93 native fruit, flowering and medicinal species.
Marking World Nature Conservation Day, the initiative brings together public and private partners to expand native vegetation in the capital through a dense planting approach designed to improve biodiversity and long-term urban resilience.
A new urban forest containing 6,100 native trees was inaugurated in Dhaka on Tuesday as part of efforts to restore green space and strengthen the rapidly expanding city’s climate resilience.
Located beside a lake in Uttara Sector 17, the 2,285-square-metre site was described by organizers as Dhaka’s second forest developed using the Miyawaki method, which involves densely planting diverse native species to accelerate the development of a self-sustaining forest.
The forest includes 93 species of native fruit, flowering and medicinal trees, according to a press release.
Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women implemented the initiative in partnership with Mutual Trust Bank PLC and with support from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha, or Rajuk, the capital development authority. It was inaugurated on World Nature Conservation Day.
Rajuk Chairman Md Riazul Islam said urban forests could play an important role in making Dhaka greener and more resilient to climate-related pressures.
He urged communities, financial institutions and other stakeholders to take collective responsibility for protecting such sites and ensuring their long-term maintenance.
“I sincerely thank Shakti Foundation for undertaking this important initiative and supporting Rajuk in fulfilling its commitment to creating a greener and more livable Dhaka,” Islam said.
Dhaka has experienced rapid urbanization and the continuing loss of trees, open spaces and natural habitats. Small, densely planted forests are increasingly being promoted as a nature-based approach to restoring urban biodiversity and improving environmental conditions.
Mutual Trust Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Syed Mahbubur Rahman said environmental protection must be incorporated into urban development.
“When I was growing up, Dhaka was much greener, with open spaces and trees that made the city more livable,” Rahman said. “As our cities continue to expand, initiatives like this Miyawaki urban forest remind us that development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand.”
Shakti Foundation Deputy Executive Director Imran Ahmed said planting the trees was only the first stage and that sustained care would be essential for the forest’s survival.
“If these trees are properly cared for during their first two years, they can grow into thriving forests that will benefit communities and the environment for generations to come,” Ahmed said.
Representatives from government agencies, the banking sector, law enforcement and development organizations attended the inauguration.
