Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environment Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has called on all relevant law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to work in unison to keep the Sundarbans free from criminal activities. She stressed that isolated or fragmented actions are inadequate to safeguard the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Speaking as the chief guest at a virtual stakeholder consultation on Wednesday evening, Rizwana Hasan underscored the urgency of integrated measures involving the Forest Department, Navy, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Police, and local community patrols.
The meeting reviewed ongoing projects, persistent challenges, and future strategies for sustainable management of the Sundarbans.
Among the pressing issues identified were threats to local livelihoods, forest banditry, deer poaching, plastic pollution, forest fires, toxic fishing methods, illegal entry, and unauthorized vehicle movement within the forest. Rizwana Hasan urged the formulation of a comprehensive, collaborative action plan to address these challenges effectively.
“The Sundarbans is not merely a forest – it is an integral part of our lives. Its survival ensures the protection of our environment, biodiversity, and the well-being of coastal communities,” she said.
She highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the Tiger Response Team, Dolphin Team, and regular forest patrols, as critical to the forest’s protection. She also pressed for the swift finalization of the Eco-Tourism Guideline and the Sundarbans Visit Policy to promote sustainable tourism.
The consultation also featured remarks from Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests. A keynote presentation was delivered by Md. Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests for the Khulna region.
Other participants included the Divisional Commissioner of Khulna and representatives from RAB, the Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy, district administrations, police, Department of Environment, Water Development Board, and the Fire Service and Civil Defence.