Bangladesh’s hill forests are located mainly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region in the southeastern part of the country, encompassing the districts of Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Rangamati. These forests are unique due to their hilly terrain, which contrasts with the predominantly flat landscape of the rest of Bangladesh. The hill forests cover an estimated 700,000 hectares and are part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, hosting a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The vegetation in hill forests is typically tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf, characterized by diverse tree species such as teak, sal, hollock, and numerous hardwoods. These forests provide critical habitats for many wildlife species, including elephants, gibbons, various bird species, amphibians, and reptiles. They are essential in maintaining regional climate balance, protecting watersheds, and preventing soil erosion in the hilly terrain.
The hill forests are also home to indigenous communities who rely on forest resources for livelihood, cultural practices, and traditional medicine. However, these forests face significant threats from shifting cultivation, illegal logging, infrastructure development, and human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation initiatives by the Forest Department and various NGOs focus on sustainable forest management, biodiversity protection, and community participation to address these challenges.
Overall, the hill forests of Bangladesh are vital ecological and cultural landscapes that require continued protection and sustainable management to preserve their biodiversity and support local livelihoods.