Dhaka, March 21 -- The Environment and Forest Minister on Thursday said that forests must be viewed as a resource and that they cannot be destroyed by the construction of highways or any other infrastructure through them.

Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said this at an event marking International Forest Day.

He also said that laws are being formulated for forest conservation. Forest research will also be increased.

The environment minister said these things as the chief guest at a discussion programme organised by the Forest Department on International Forest Day with the theme "Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World".

The introduction of smart patrolling systems in the Sundarbans has resulted in effective forest mo...