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93,78,900 saplings. The initial budget allocation stands at Tk 37.6 million.

Cox’s Bazar leads the list, with 1.73 million saplings being destroyed in the first phase. Other high-figure districts include Bandarban (792,100), Gaibandha (784,300), Chattogram (738,400), and Tangail (728,000).

In the greater Chattogram region -- which includes Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Feni, and Lakshmipur -- the DAE reported a combined stock of 6.31 million saplings. In Cox’s Bazar alone, 1.73 million of the 4.07 million total saplings are being removed now, with the rest scheduled for later.

Dr Md Jamal Uddin, additional director (monitoring and implementation) at the DAE, said compensation is being provided, and nursery owners are required to sign declarations agreeing not to grow the banned species again.

While sapling production is overseen by the DAE, mature tree management falls under the Forest Department. No final decision has been taken yet on the fate of mature eucalyptus and akashmoni trees planted nationwide.