Sundarbans on High Alert for Eid as Poaching Threat Looms

The Forest Department has issued the highest alert in the Eastern Sundarbans, canceling Eid holidays for all relevant officers and employees, fearing that wildlife poaching gangs might become active during the long government holiday for Eid al-Adha.

This information was confirmed on Thursday (June 5) by sources at the Divisional Forest Officer's office in the Eastern Sundarbans.

To protect the 243,000 hectares of forest land within the two ranges (Sharankhola and Chandpai) under the Eastern Sundarbans Forest Division, leave for officers and employees across 31 unit offices has been canceled, and combing operations have been intensified.

According to Forest Department sources, since Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury took charge as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans about a month ago, several strategic steps have been taken to protect the forest. Notably, foot patrolling, parallel line surveys, the use of technology, and intelligence surveillance have been introduced to curb illegal fishing and deer poaching.

The Forest Department fears that poaching rings might exploit the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday to become active again. Specifically, there could be a rise in deer hunting and fishing using poison in protected areas. For this reason, extra precautions are being taken this year.

Forest guards have intensified patrols in the forest areas under various patrol outposts and stations. Multiple foot patrol teams have been formed, and regular expeditions are being conducted deep within the forest. Additionally, the Divisional Forest Officer's office has organized meetings and distributed leaflets to raise awareness among forest professionals and local communities.

The Forest Department has also announced rewards for providing information on wildlife theft and poaching.

Regarding the matter, Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Sundarbans, stated, "It is our responsibility to protect the forest, wildlife, and biodiversity. Although protecting this vast, muddy, and river-and-canal-surrounded forest with limited manpower is challenging, we are making our utmost effort. It's an exceptional decision that Eastern Sundarbans officers and forest guards are not taking leave this Eid al-Adha. The combing operations last month yielded good results. The Forest Department is working with maximum preparation to ensure no illicit activities occur during Eid."