Rampant deforestation in Chittagong is worrying Bangladesh government authorities. According to the country's forest department, indiscriminate logging has rendered barren at least 1,620 ha of private forest land in the Chittagong district alone in the current year.

Rapid urbanisation is the major factor behind the deforestation. Trees are being mowed down at an alarming pace to meet the demand for construction materials, fuel and fodder and land for cultivation.