The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion meeting yesterday laid emphasis on creating awareness among the masses for protection of the country's forest and its bio-diversity.

They also called upon the government to take initiatives for eliminating mismanagement and corruption prevailing in the sector.

Strict implementation of laws and community forest development are urgently needed for saving the forests, they opined.

This observation was made at the discussion meeting on ' Transparency and Accountability in Forest Management: Problems and Way out ' organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at the VIP lounge of the Jatiya Press Club.

Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Raja Devasish Roy, who is in charges of Forest, Environment and CHT Affairs Ministries was present as chief guest. Manzoor-e- Khoda of TIB presented the keynote paper.

With Advocate Sultana Kamal, former adviser and trustee of TIB in the chair, the function was also addressed, among others, by Abul Hasan Mohammad Rezaul Kabir ndc , secretary, ministry of Forest and Environment ,AKM Shamsuddin, Chief Conservator of Forest, Rezwana Hasan of BELA, Fariduddin Ahmed, Arnok Foundation, Filip Gyan, Dr Iklil Mandal, Dr Khandaker Mokaddem Hossain and Dr Ifterkharuzzaman, executive director of TIB.

TIB conducted a research from 2006 to 2008, which found illegal trading of forest timber, irregularities in implementing the projects, gross corruption in the case of appointment and transfer and encroachment of reserve forests.

Raja Devasish Roy said, the government was working to update the national forest policy. He said that the age-old forest laws would be amended for better conservation of forest.

"Only gun alone could not protect the forests and its resources", he said and suggested involvement of the local community for co management of forests protection.

"Attitude of the people living adjacent to the forests is important for protecting the forests," he mentioned and added that the government was taking measures for curbing corruption in the forest sector.

He said, the government was holding meeting for protecting wildlife sanctuary.

"We are going to hold discussion with the local people for ensuring the best protection of forests and its resources," said the special assistant.

The discussion made some recommendations that include to take action plan for protecting the forest, create alternative livelihood for the people depending on forest resources, start a forestation campaign, maintain flexibility while appointing in high posts and increasing salary and other facilities for the employees of the forest department, establishment of 'Ban Adalot' and Joint Task Force, and reintroducing the post of 'Inspector General of Forest'.