In an effort to enforce the Wildlife Protection Act, the Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Department of Forest conducted a successful operation today at the Mirpur-1 bird market in Dhaka. The raid, carried out from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, resulted in the rescue of a total of 61 birds and 2 turtles.
Among the rescued birds were 41 parakeets, 3 green pigeons and doves, 10 munias, and 5 common mynas. Two turtles were also recovered during the operation. Following the raid, all the rescued animals were released into the Mirpur Botanical Garden this afternoon.
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit stated that selling and caging birds and other wild animals is a punishable offense under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. Such operations are regularly conducted to raise public awareness and curb illegal wildlife trade.
Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, Department of Forest, emphasized that wild animals have a natural right to roam freely in nature. He stated that the caging and selling of numerous wild animals in urban bird markets is not only illegal but also cruel. He confirmed that the rescued animals were released into a safe environment after initial observation.
The Department of Forest urges all citizens to refrain from buying, selling, and caging wild animals, and encourages them to cooperate by providing information about such illegal activities. The Department confirms that these operations will continue.