Neem is considered to be part of Bangladesh’s genetic bio-diversity. To generations of Bangladeshi people, Neem was known to provide protection from diseases and hence is often referred to as the ‘Village Pharmacy’. Therefore, protecting and planting Neem has become a tradition in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Neem Foundation (BNF)
Bangladesh Neem Foundation (BNF) is a voluntary and non-profit apex body of all Neem movements in Bangladesh – a forum for unifying national efforts to promote the Neem tree.
Established in February, 1998, it is supported by the leading scientists, conservationists, environmentalists and philanthropists involved in Neem related research in Bangladesh.
BNF has a mission to promote national awareness about Neem and other botanical alternatives by regularly arranging countrywide workshops, conferences, seminars and meetings; publishing books, posters, leaflets etc.
To promote Neem, BNF has planted around 5000,000 Neem plants all over Bangladesh, with support from different NGOs, Universities and private organization. It has targeted to plant an additional 500, 00000 Neem plants in Bangladesh within the next 5 years.
The activities of BNF was initially funded by UNDP, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), CFC (Common Fund for Commodities), EPB (Export promotion Bureau) of Bangladesh, IC (Swiss inter Cooperation), Ministry of Commerce etc. BNF is a founder Executive Committee member of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Products Business Promotion Council, Ministry of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh.
