The Society for Environment and Human Development (SEHD) organized a three-day workshop from 9–11 December 2025 at the BRAC Learning Centre in Mymensingh, bringing together 25 participants from the Garo, Koch, Bormon and Bangalee communities. Among the attendees were three journalists representing Tangail, Mymensingh and Gazipur. The workshop, titled “Research and Advocacy on Forest Commons, Landgrab and Protection of Forest-Dependent Communities in the North-Centre,” aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of forest loss, encroachment on forest commons and challenges faced by Indigenous and forest-dependent populations in the north-central region.
Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in group discussions, interactive learning and field activities designed to deepen their practical knowledge. They visited sal forest areas to assess the current level of degradation, identify underlying causes of forest destruction and observe government-led restoration initiatives. The workshop also focused on enhancing skills in case documentation, identifying best practices and writing investigative reports. According to the organizers, the training intends to build a stronger network of community members and journalists capable of conducting research, reporting forest-related injustices and advocating for sustainable forest protection.