Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has stated that those responsible for the disappearance of rare animals from the Gazipur Safari Park will face strict punishment. “Dismissal alone is not enough. The punishment must be exemplary so that no one dares to show such negligence in the future,” she said during a press briefing following her visit to the park on Wednesday.
Expressing her concern, the Advisor noted that while some animals appeared to live in conditions resembling their natural habitat, many were not enjoying an adequate quality of life. She found behavioral abnormalities in certain elephants and jaguars particularly disturbing.
“This park should not merely be a center for recreation,” she said. “It ought to be a place where people, especially children, learn empathy and care for wildlife.”
Referring to the recent disappearance of a lemur, Advisor Rizwana Hasan remarked that such an incident clearly reflects a lapse in management. After discussions with park officials, she identified gaps in CCTV coverage and security arrangements. To ensure transparency in the investigation, she announced the formation of a robust probe committee comprising experts in wildlife and environmental crime.
Addressing forest department officials, she cautioned, “Government projects are not meant to be activated only when funds are released. The Safari Park is a national asset. Its development and upkeep require regular allocations and genuine commitment.”
She also revealed that discussions are underway with experts from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India regarding the welfare of captive elephants. A new project focused on improving their wellbeing is awaiting approval.
“The residents of Gazipur must take the lead in protecting this national treasure,” she emphasized. “Curbing cruelty to animals, preventing illegal bird trade, and recovering lost wildlife demand both administrative vigilance and public awareness.”
Present during the visit were Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury; Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin; Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Md Zaber Sadeque; Conservator of Forests of Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle Sanullah Patwary; Conservator of Forests of Central Circle ASM Zahir Uddin Akon; and the acting officer-in-charge of the Safari Park, along with other relevant officials.
Following the park visit, Advisor Rizwana Hasan also toured Bhawal National Park and presided over a discussion meeting with officials from the Department of Forest and the Department of Environment at the Champa Conference Room of the Forest Department in Gazipur. She directed the officials to formulate a concrete action plan for the conservation of the environment and forests in Gazipur. The Advisor also listened to the challenges faced by officials and assured them of the ministry’s full support.