Leaving corporate life in Manchester for Khagrachhari forests, Mahfuz Russel now set to receive national award

A decade ago, Mahfuz Ahmed Russel left behind a high-paying corporate career in Manchester's international fashion industry, a luxurious work environment, and a secure professional future to settle permanently in the hills of Khagrachhari. 

Over time, that decision transformed him into one of Bangladesh's most recognised figures in nature and biodiversity conservation. Today, he is widely known as "Mahfuz Russel," a man whose life has become inseparable from forests and nature.

In recognition of his decade-long contribution to conservation, he has secured first place in the Research, Conservation and Innovation category (Category-Cha) of the environment, forest and climate change ministry's National Tree Plantation Award 2025.

The award will be formally presented during a ceremony in the final week of this month, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attending as the chief guest.

His 75-acre natural mixed evergreen forest, named "Pitachhara," in Purba Khedachhara of Matiranga upazila in Khagrachhari, is now regarded as an important refuge for endangered wildlife.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Russel reflected on his journey, struggles, and future plans.

Returning to the hills from corporate life

After returning to Bangladesh from Manchester in 2016, Mahfuz Russel initially purchased just five acres of hilly land. His goal was simply to lead a quiet and peaceful life. However, upon arriving in the hills of Khagrachhari, he witnessed widespread deforestation, the expansion of tobacco cultivation, and the killing of wildlife.

The reality changed him. He decided to create a safe forest sanctuary dedicated to protecting nature.

The beginning was lonely and challenging. He started living in a bamboo-and-thatch house in a remote hill area with few modern amenities. Many local residents initially viewed his efforts as unusual.

Over time, however, nature-loving friends and supporters joined his initiative. Gradually, the original five-acre project expanded into a 75-acre protected forest.

Pitachhara: A forest built on the "no intervention" philosophy

The core philosophy of Pitachhara is simple: allow nature to develop on its own.

Russel said, "The most important principle in creating a forest is 'no intervention'. Nature knows far better than humans how to regenerate itself."

As a result, over the past decade the area has evolved into a rich forest of native species, including garjan, chapalish, gamar, dumur, wild hog plum, and many other indigenous trees.

The forest now provides a safe habitat for numerous species of wildlife. Critically endangered animals such as the Asian yellow pond turtle and hill stream turtle are found there, along with the Burmese python, spectacled langur, cobra, banded krait, and many other snake species.

More than 30 species of hill frogs inhabit the forest's streams and waterfalls. The area is also home to slow lorises, stump-tailed macaques, pangolins, porcupines, and leopard cats.

Pitachhara has also become an important destination for birdwatchers. Hornbills, hill mynas, woodpeckers, red-whiskered bulbuls, and various species of wild owls add to the forest's biodiversity.

Protecting streams and hill ecosystems

The name "Pitachhara" itself reflects its conservation philosophy. "Pitta" refers to a rare bird species, while "chhara" means a hill stream.

According to Russel, protecting streams and natural watercourses is essential for preserving the environment of the Chattogram Hill Tracts.

"If the streams dry up, wildlife will not survive either. That is why we focus on preserving native vegetation to keep water sources alive," he said.

In his view, stopping hunting alone is not enough; the forest ecosystem itself must be protected.

Conservation through local participation

Russel believes involving local communities is the most important aspect of the Pitachhara initiative.

The project includes healthcare services, educational support, mushroom cultivation training, and organic farming programmes. A free healthcare centre operating for nearly a decade continues to provide medical assistance to local residents.

Local resident Mohammad Yusuf said these initiatives have significantly reduced hunting in the area.

As Russel puts it, "If we can improve people's quality of life, the pressure on forests will naturally decrease."

Future plans and national recognition

Mahfuz Russel said he plans to launch large-scale tree plantation programmes across the hill regions with active participation from local communities.

"To make forest conservation sustainable, improving people's livelihoods is essential. That is why we consider health, education, and livelihoods integral parts of conservation," he said.

Speaking about the national award, he remarked, "This achievement does not belong to any one person. It has only been possible because of the support, trust, and contributions of many people."