The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has recovered 16 acres of illegally occupied forest land in Gazipur since August 5 out of a total of 90 acres marked for reclamation, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said.

She said this while addressing a discussion on forest and environmental conservation at the conference room of the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday.

“No matter how powerful the illegal occupants are, strict action will be taken against them,” Rizwana said.

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She said all occupied lands will be freed from illegal occupation within the next three months and instructed deputy commissioners to expedite the process of demarcating forest boundaries.

Rizwana warned that strict actions will also be taken to prevent deforestation and pollution caused by industries.

She advised the Department of Environment to thoroughly review all aspects before issuing permits and include public opinion during the renewal process.

The Adviser called upon all stakeholders including citizens and organisations to actively contribute to environmental protection efforts.

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The discussion, presided over by Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, was attended by key officials, including the Superintendent of Police, the Commander of the Army Security Unit, the Commander of 63 BGB, the Secretary of Gazipur City Corporation, representatives from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment, local representatives, environmental activists, and government and non-government officials.

The participants discussed pressing issues such as local environmental degradation, illegal forest occupation, and industrial pollution.