BFRI Concludes 3-Day Forestry Training in Chattogram

Published : Saturday, 23 May, 2026 at 4:50 PM Count : 45

A three-day technology-based training program organized by the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI) for officials and staff engaged in afforestation activities under the Chattogram Forest Circle concluded successfully on May 21, 2026, with a certificate distribution ceremony.

The training program was inaugurated on May 18 at the conference room of the Conservator of Forests, Chattogram Circle, aiming to enhance the technical knowledge and practical skills of forestry personnel in plantation management, nursery development, and conservation of forest resources. The training covered six important technologies developed by BFRI, including selection of mother trees, bamboo cultivation through branch-cutting methods, nursery development and Kadam plantation establishment, disease and pest management in nurseries and forest plantations, afforestation of medicinal tree species, and palm seedling extraction techniques. A total of 32 participants from Chattogram North, Chattogram South, and Coastal Forest Divisions took part in the sessions, including Forest Rangers, Deputy Rangers, Foresters, Forest Guards, Garden Mali, and Boatmen. The six training sessions were conducted in half-day formats over three days — May 18, 19, and 21, 2026.

The training sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from the trainees, who actively engaged in question-and-answer discussions to gain practical and technical insights into various forestry challenges and solutions. Deputy Ranger Md. Hasan requested hard copies of the presentations and suggested preparing separate plantation manuals for muddy, sandy, and saline coastal areas to ensure species-specific plantation planning. Forest Guard Shamim Ahmed emphasized the importance of hands-on demonstrations in future training sessions. Forest Guard Chhagir Khan Akash inquired about the suitable period for collecting Akash Karamcha seeds, and trainers informed that seeds are generally collected between May and October. Deputy Ranger Bibhas Malakar sought information on BFRI’s initiatives to conserve endangered tree species, to which trainers responded that efforts are underway to collect seeds and produce seedlings of rare species including Civit and Bailam. They also mentioned that BFRI has received a national award for establishing a conservation center containing more than 300 medicinal tree species.

Participants also discussed identification methods for different Garjan species based on seed structure, bark, and leaf characteristics, while technical guidance was provided on die-back disease management through removal of infected trees and application of fungicides including Bordeaux mixture. In response to questions regarding furniture damage caused by wood-boring insects, trainers advised proper seasoning and treatment of timber before use and suggested using insecticides, neem oil, or kerosene treatment for infected wood. Queries were also raised regarding palm seedling management, the use of shade in polybags, fertilizer application schedules in bamboo cultivation, and the appropriate duration for keeping seedlings in polybags before plantation. Trainers explained that palm seedlings should initially be raised in polybags with shade protection to reduce damage risks and that bamboo cuttings should receive fertilizer during the Falgun-Chaitra season.

The closing ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Forest Guard Rafiqul Islam and was chaired by Md. Zahirul Alam, Senior Research Officer of the Information Technology and Training Division of Bangladesh Forest Research Institute. Speaking as the chief guest, Mohammad Anisur Rahman, Divisional Officer of the Administration Division of BFRI, said that the institute would continue to prioritize technology-based training programs for officials and staff of the Forest Department in the future. He thanked the concerned authorities and participants for their cooperation and support in successfully organizing the training program.

FP/A