Forests and forest management practices in Bangladesh: the question of sustainability

SUMMARY As a relatively new country, the forests of Bangladesh have only been managed for 34 years under current management authority. During this period, forest management practices have been changed and revised from time to time in accordance with Government policy and legal regimes. The status of forest ecosystems has also changed. This paper reviews and analyzes the past 34 years of forest management practices in Bangladesh and identifies the effects of management practices on the forest ecosystem. The paper also discusses sustainability issues in addition to constraints and opportunities of the forests and forest management practices in Bangladesh.