BANGLADESH COUNTRY PROFILES

FAO Forestry Report

Summery

Bangladesh is one of the world´s most densely populated countries and, as a consequence, its forests are subject to heavy demand pressures in terms of both wood production and competing land-uses. Bangladesh has a relatively low proportion of forest cover. A significant area of additional land [to that shown in the chart] is classified as forest land, but is presently without forest cover. Bangladesh´s forests are of three broad types. Mangrove forests in the coastal delta, hill forests in the interior, and a smaller area of inland sal (Shorea robusta) forest. Significant areas of both hill forest plantations and mangrove plantations have been established. A number of protected areas are under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department, though most of these have been degraded by illegal logging and forest clearing.

	Products & Trade

An estimated 80 percent of Bangladeshi wood production is used for fuel; most of the remainder is converted to sawnwood. Bangladesh also produces cultural papers based on hardwood and non-wood fibres, and some hardboard panels for the domestic market. Paper and paperboard comprise the bulk of Bangladeshi imports of forest products.

Important NWFPs used in Bangladesh include fodder, grasses for thatching, matting and for ropes, bamboo, tannins, essential oils and medicinal plants.

Forest Products		Trade of Forest Products
Production Year				1998
Roundwood Industrial Roundwood Fuelwood and charcoal			Imports		Exports
			US $86,491,000		US $573,000
		Sawnwood (m³) Wood-based panels (m³) Wood pulp (MT) Paper and paperboard (MT)