Fifty-six migratory birds, identified as Bali ducks, were released into the wild in Chondipul area of Sylhet after being rescued by the Forest Department from illegal traders, officials said Tuesday.
The birds, initially kept in sacks for sale, were freed at the banks of the Surma River in the presence of Executive Magistrate Shihab Bin Amin.
The rescue followed a tip-off that a hunter had brought the birds to Sylhet for sale. The forest department, led by Sylhet Divisional Forest Officer Mohammad Abdur Rahman and Range Officer Shahidullah with accompanying staff, conducted an operation on Monday, recovering the birds.
The hunter managed to flee upon noticing the forest officials at the scene.
Magistrate Shihab said these birds are natural resources under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2012.
Anyone attempting to hunt or sell them will face legal action, he warned.