In the tranquil village of Kaderia Para, within Taitong Union of Pekuya Upazila in Cox’s Bazar, an extraordinary botanical haven has taken root atop a humble residence. Navigating narrow brick pathways, visitors reach Forman Hasnat’s rooftop garden, a verdant oasis flanked by paddy fields on one side and conventional homes on the other. Beneath the bright sunlight and against the serene backdrop of a nearby pond, an array of rare and exotic plants—including lotus and cacti—flourish under meticulous care.
Forman, a student of Computer Science and Telecommunication Engineering at Noakhali Science and Technology University, currently balances his academic background with a teaching position at a coaching centre in Pekuya Chaumuhani. Alongside his teaching duties, he nurtures his rooftop garden with precision, generating an impressive annual income of approximately BDT 400,000.
“I personally plant the cacti, construct shading structures, and oversee every aspect of the garden. Fertiliser alone cannot guarantee growth; careful attention and care are crucial. I learned everything from Google and YouTube tutorials. Today, my collection includes plants from at least 50 countries,” Forman explains.
The rooftop garden houses a total of 460 species, including nearly 150 varieties of cacti. He has aptly named the collection the “Pekuya Cactus Garden.” The market value of some of his key plant varieties is as follows:
| Plant Type | Price Range (BDT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cactus | 50 – 1,200 | Depending on size and species |
| Fern | 500 – 5,000 | Suitable for indoor and outdoor use |
| Stapelia | 150 – 1,500 | Popular for small collections |
| Orchid | 1,000 – 3,000 | Favoured by plant enthusiasts |
| Air Plant | 200 – 1,000 | Ideal for offices and home decor |
Forman’s fascination with plants dates back to his childhood, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that his passion for cacti intensified. Despite encountering initial setbacks, including fraudulent sales attempts, he persisted. Gradually, he expanded his collection through local nurseries and online sources. His growing assortment now includes orchids, ferns, stapelias, haworthias, air plants, and sansevierias, among other exotic species.
What began as a hobby has evolved into a profitable venture. Between October 2024 and 25 January 2025, Forman successfully shipped 609 plants across the country via courier. While his monthly average income currently ranges between BDT 30,000 and 35,000, strategic expansion could potentially elevate it to BDT 50,000.
Forman enjoys the support of his family. His father, Zaker Hossain, shares, “Forman has loved plants since childhood. Now people come to see his collection and are truly impressed.” Meanwhile, Asim Kumar Das, Additional Officer at the Pekuya Upazila Agriculture Office, remarks, “Not everyone can pursue such an initiative. The Agriculture Department plans to encourage him further.”
Beyond personal interest, Forman also distributes plants among local youth and students to raise awareness. Today, his rooftop garden stands as a unique model, combining the cultivation of rare plants with a small-scale entrepreneurial initiative.