BFIDC, Forest Dept sign lease renewal deal for rubber plantation

A 40-year lease-renewal agreement for rubber plantations has been signed between the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC) and the Forest Department, which is aimed at promoting revenue growth and climate protection.

Over the years, the Forest Department has officially transferred 38,184.48 acres of land for 18 rubber plantations to BFIDC.

The signing ceremony was held at the environment ministry's conference room at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan was present as the chief guest.

Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury and BFIDC Chairman Md. Nasir Uddin Ahmed signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

The ceremony was attended by Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry, along with senior officials from both organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, the environment adviser highlighted that the lease renewal was initiated by the ministry since the previous agreement had expired in 2003.

She emphasised that this renewal would help boost government revenue, resolve legal complexities related to land encroachment, and contribute significantly to maintaining climate balance through natural rubber cultivation.

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