At least 52,375 trees were cut down across Bangladesh between May 2025 and April 2026, with Rajshahi district alone accounting for 23,041 of them, according to a new report.
The “Tree Cutting Media Monitoring and Investigative Report” published by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC) was released on Thursday at the Department of Environment’s auditorium.
The research shows that an average of 4,365 trees were cut per month nationwide over the past year. After Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar recorded 11,000 tree cuttings, followed by Sunamganj with 6,409 and Chattogram with 5,103. Magura and Madaripur reported only one cutting each.
However, the report’s most notable finding is a significant 71.2 per cent decline in tree felling compared to the 2024-25 period. Researchers attribute the reduction to the suspension or slowing of many large-scale road, rail, electricity, and infrastructure projects in recent times.
Despite the decline, environmentalists warn that pressure on forests and tree resources remains worrying.
Development projects, urbanisation, industrialisation, agricultural expansion, and rising timber demand continue to shrink tree cover and green spaces across the country.
Department of Environment Director General Md Lutfar Rahman said deforestation increases the risk of soil erosion, landslides, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction, while also weakening the country’s capacity to combat climate change.
He noted, however, that increased public awareness has brought some positive changes.
The report highlighted that while isolated tree cutting incidents are reported, no national monitoring system exists to capture the true picture of forest loss. Environmental experts have demanded the establishment of a national monitoring system.
Speakers stressed that ensuring the survival and preservation of planted trees, not just plantation itself, is now a major challenge. Additional Director General Md Ziaul Haque said despite existing laws and policies, effective enforcement gaps prevent full control over tree cutting.
The report made nine recommendations, including effective implementation of forest laws, inclusion of green infrastructure in urban planning, expansion of sustainable agroforestry, ensuring local community rights, and increasing international cooperation for environmental protection.
Environmentalists commented that while the decline in tree cutting is a positive sign, it is not a lasting success. Without balancing development and the environment, the challenge of protecting the country’s green cover may deepen further.
