Dhaka: The government has introduced the Forest and Tree Conservation Ordinance, 2026, implementing stricter measures to protect trees and forests. This includes a provision for a maximum fine of Tk 20,000 for damaging trees with nails or other metallic objects.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ordinance was issued by the Printing and Publications Branch of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. It has been published in gazette form for public interest. The ordinance prohibits harming trees with nails or metallic objects, except for commercial production purposes. Violations may result in a fine of up to Tk 20,000, as determined by the court.
The ordinance mandates that trees in gazetted forests, unclassified state forests, social forestry areas, government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and public places can only be felled or removed with prior approval from the Forest Conservation Officer, in line with Sections 4 and 6 of the Forest Act, 1927. The Chief Conservator of Forests will appoint Divisional Forest Officers as Tree Conservation Officers to ensure effective implementation.
The gazette notification specifies that trees identified as prohibited or endangered by the Forest Department cannot be felled. However, permission for cutting trees on privately owned land may be granted under specific conditions. Applicants must submit a form detailing the species, number, approximate height, girth at breast height, and reasons for felling. The authority is required to issue a decision within 30 days of application submission, following verification and on-site inspection.
The ordinance also imposes a maximum fine of Tk 100,000 for the illegal cutting of trees.