Despite lacking official recognition, ‘Sundarbans Day’ will be observed on Friday in the coastal districts, including Bagerhat and Khulna, with renewed calls for the government to acknowledge it nationally.

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is home to diverse animal species and unique flora. Since 2002, coastal communities adjacent to the Sundarbans have marked this day, with divisional-level events held in Khulna.

Besides, youth forums in 17 upazilas across five Sundarbans-adjacent districts will observe the day.

Even after 23 years, authorities have yet to respond to appeals for official recognition.

Organisers believe that a nationally recognised ‘Sundarbans Day’ would enhance the forest’s status and promote its significance both domestically and internationally.

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Such recognition, they argue, would also contribute to conservation efforts.

A Natural Wonder at Risk

The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in southwestern Bangladesh along the Bay of Bengal and has evolved into a natural marvel.

In 1878, it was declared a reserved forest, spanning 6,017 square kilometres, including 4,143 square kilometres of land and 1,873 square kilometres of water bodies.

More than half of the Sundarbans is now a protected area.

The ecosystem is globally recognised for its rich biodiversity, serving as a habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger and acting as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges.

The Sundarbans also offers the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people and attracts both domestic and foreign tourists with its mesmerising landscapes.

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Experts warn that climate change poses a grave threat to the mangrove forest, with cyclones and tidal surges repeatedly causing damage. Yet, nature's resilience has allowed it to recover time and again.

Calls for National Recognition

In 1997, UNESCO designated three wildlife sanctuaries in the Sundarbans as World Heritage Sites.

The forest's name is believed to derive from the abundance of 'Sundari' trees, though some argue it originates from 'Samundarbana' (forest by the sea), given its proximity to the Bay of Bengal.

The first comprehensive survey of the Sundarbans was conducted between 1769 and 1773.

According to the Forest Department, the Sundarbans is home to 528 plant species, 125 Royal Bengal Tigers, 355 bird species, 14 amphibian species, 47,515 wild pigs, 25,125 monitor lizards, 140 saltwater crocodiles, 451 Irrawaddy dolphins, 505 wildlife species, 87 reptile species, 49 mammal species, 152,444 deer, 12,241 porcupines, 225 Ganges dolphins, and 210 fish species.

The primary timber resources of the Sundarbans include Sundari, Pashur, Gewa, Dhundul, and Kakra trees. Additionally, the forest produces Golpata and honey.

On 14 February 2001, the first National Sundarbans Conference concluded with the 'Sundarbans Declaration' in Khulna, jointly organised by Rupantar, Khulna University, and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA).

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The conference called for an official Sundarbans Day to be observed on 14 February, coinciding with Valentine's Day. However, no government response has been forthcoming.

Sustained Efforts to Gain Recognition

Md Rafiqul Islam Khokon, Director of the Khulna-based NGO Rupantar, said the 2001 declaration included a demand for national observance of Sundarbans Day.

Since then, repeated appeals have been made, but no initiative has been taken.

“The government speaks about conserving the Sundarbans but has yet to implement any meaningful measures. We urge the current administration to officially recognise and observe Sundarbans Day,” he said.

He added that official recognition would raise the forest’s profile and facilitate conservation efforts.

Youth forums from 17 upazilas in Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Pirojpur and Barguna, with support from Rupantar, will mark the occasion this year.

Their primary demand is to rid the Sundarbans of plastic waste, polythene, and harmful fishing nets.

Mihir Kumar Dey, Forest Conservator of the Khulna region, acknowledged the longstanding demand for national recognition but noted that official approval has not yet been granted. “I believe the day should be observed nationally,” he said.

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The Forest Department and the Sundarbans Academy are jointly organising Sundarbans Day at the divisional level in Khulna, with plans to extend celebrations to different forest ranges.

Environmentalists stress that the Sundarbans holds immense national and global importance.

They believe that a nationally recognised Sundarbans Day would elevate its international profile and bolster public awareness about its conservation.