Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, announced that Bangladesh has developed a Red List identifying 1,000 plant species at risk, aimed at enhancing their conservation and sustainable management. This effort has allowed for the accurate assessment of vulnerable plant species, categorizing 271 as least concern, 256 as data deficient, 395 as vulnerable (including 5 critically endangered, 127 endangered, and 263 threatened), 70 as near-threatened, and 7 regionally extinct.
During the book launch of the Bangladesh Red List of Plants on Monday, November 11, at the Ministry’s conference room, Ms. Hasan emphasized the Red List’s importance in supporting biodiversity conservation targets. She also noted that the Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh identifies 3,813 plant species, which will require future evaluation. The Red List serves as an essential resource for policymakers and researchers, contributing to environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection both nationally and globally.
Ms. Hasan further highlighted strategic plans to manage invasive plant species across five protected forest areas. Research identified 17 invasive plants in Bangladesh, such as water hyacinth and Assam creeper, which are causing environmental challenges and require preventive measures. The strategies include import restrictions, commercialization limits, and improved management protocols for invasive species. These initiatives are expected to play a vital role in conserving Bangladesh’s forest resources on both national and international levels.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Additional Secretaries ASM Humayun Kabir, Fahmida Khanam, and Tapan Kumar Biswas, Chief Conservator of Forests Mohammad Amir Hossain Chowdhury, World Bank Senior Environmental Specialist Ishtiaq Sobhan, and IUCN representative Sarwar Alam.
