The much-awaited honey collection season in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is set to begin from April 1, with honey collectors (mowal) already completing their preparations.
According to the Forest Department, a target has been set to collect 1,100 quintals of honey and 600 quintals of beeswax during the 2025–2026 season.
The honey collectors are currently preparing their boats and will enter the forest with valid permits issued by the authorities.
Forest Department sources said that during the previous 2024–2025 season, a total of 1,709 honey collectors entered the Sundarbans Satkhira range against 248 valid permits.
During that period, they collected 854.5 quintals of honey and 275.5 quintals of beeswax from natural hives.
As in previous years, permits will be issued in phases across different ranges of the Sundarbans, allowing groups of honey collectors to enter deep forest areas to harvest honey from natural hives.
The collection season will run from April to June.
Abdur Razzaq, a team leader of honey collectors from Dumuria village under Gabura union of Shyamnagar upazila, said he has formed a 12-member team this year.
“I collect honey from the Sundarbans every year. We are prepared and will start our journey on April 1 after obtaining permits,” he said, adding that Sundarbans honey is in high demand nationwide due to its natural and adulteration-free quality.
Razzaq said they carry out their work risking their lives as Royal Bengal Tiger, venomous snakes and harsh environmental conditions pose constant threats.
He also expressed concern over the recent rise in activities of forest robbers, including reported abductions for ransom.
Some honey collectors have reportedly decided not to enter the forest this season due to extortion demands.
A honey collector , wishing anonymity, said that the robbers demanded Tk 10,000 from each honey collectors and a number of group has to pay the extortion which discouraged many from going into the Sundarbans for honey collection.
Another honey collector, Shahajan Sardar from Burigoalini area, recounted a terrifying experience from last season when he encountered a tiger while searching for honey.
The Forest Department said it has taken measures to ensure the safety of honey collectors and instructed them to follow guidelines to protect forest resources.
Officials warned that legal action will be taken against those who destroy hives indiscriminately or engage in overharvesting.
Masihur Rahman, a range officer in the Sundarbans Satkhira region, told UNB that they will ensure strict monitoring to prevent illegal honey collection.