The enactment of the Forest and Tree Conservation Act, 2026, represents a significant development in Bangladesh’s environmental legal framework. Promulgated amidst growing concerns over climate change, deforestation, and ecological degradation, the law aims to conserve forests, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems. The legislation is grounded in Article 18A of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which mandates the state to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations.

The Act aligns with the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), incorporating definitions for biodiversity, threatened species, and ecosystems to fulfill international obligations. Notably, section 2(10) of the Act adopts the IUCN Red List framework to classify threatened species as ‘critically endangered,’ ‘endangered,’ or ‘vulnerable,’ facilitating evidence-based policy formulation.

This legislative progress draws upon the precedent set in the landmark case Dr. Mohiuddin Farooque v Bangladesh (1996), where the High Court Division established that the constitutional right to life under Article 32 encompasses the right to a healthy environment. This ruling transformed environmental preservation from a policy aspiration into an enforceable fundamental right, eventually paving the way for Article 18A.

While the new law provides a comprehensive strategy for addressing illegal logging, habitat destruction, and encroachment, its ultimate success depends on effective implementation. The Act serves as a commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s ecological heritage and ensuring a resilient environment for future generations.

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