United News of Bangladesh

The recent rescue of a Royal Bengal Tiger after it was caught in a deer snare has once again drawn attention to rampant poaching and the widespread use of deadly traps deep inside the Sundarbans, posing a growing threat to the forest’s apex predator. On January 4, the Forest Department rescued an injured tiger after it became ensnared in a deer trap in the Chandpai range. The animal is currently undergoing treatment at the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Although the increased movement of tigers of all ages in Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges of the Sundarbans has sparked optimism among wildlife experts. Yet this hopeful picture is shadowed by a growing crisis: a sharp decline in deer, the tiger’s primary prey. The mangrove forest is once again showing signs of revival, with the number of Royal Bengal Tigers rising over the past six years. The latest Forest Department survey in 2024 recorded 125 adult tigers, marking an almost 10 percent increase compared to 2018 and a 17.92 percent rise since 2015. Announcing the tiger 2024 survey result EnvironmentAdviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at a press conference said the tiger population density in the Sundarbans is now 2.64 tigers per 100 square kilometres. Rampant deer poaching, especially during new moon and full moon nights, is eroding the very food base that sustains the apex predator of the Sundarbans. Experts say about 80 percent of a tiger’s diet comes from spotted deer while the remaining 20 percent consists of wild boar, jungle cats and monkeys. The widespread and regular hunting of deer has severely reduced prey availability in the forest.Wildlife specialists warn that if this trend continues, the gains made in tiger conservation could be reversed. Nirmal Kumar Pal, forest officer of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division in Khulna, confirmed increased tiger movement in the Chandpai and Sharankhola ranges. To Save Tigers in Bangladesh, Deer Farming Must End “Eighty percent of a tiger’s food comes from deer with the rest from wild boar, jungle cats and monkeys,” he said, underscoring the link between prey decline and tiger behaviour. Silent Traps in Deep Forests Poachers are increasingly using leaf traps and sedative tablets deep inside the forest to hunt deer. As a result, the Chandpai, Sharankhola, Satkhira and Khulna ranges are experiencing an acute prey shortage. According to wildlife experts a fully grown tiger needs at least 50 to 60 kilograms of meat per week and when food becomes scarce, tigers are more likely to cross rivers and canals and stray into human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict. The publication Sundarban notes that according to a 2023 survey, the forest had 131,604 spotted deer. Conservationists said this number is already below what is required to sustainably support the growing tiger population. Thousands of Traps Seized Forest Department records reveal the scale of the challenge. From May to December last year alone, the Sundarbans East Forest Division recovered more than 61,400 traps of various kinds. In the western division, officials seized 3,148 feet of traps over the past two years. During the same period, authorities recovered 1,148 kilograms of deer meat from poachers. A total of 72 cases were filed naming 192 accused. Farewell to our Friend of Tigers, Dutch ambassador Andre Carstens Rezaual Karim Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans East Division, said areas such as Bishwaspara, Charduani, Gangpara and Sharankhola in Patharghata upazila saw comparatively higher numbers of seized traps. “Similarly, large quantities of traps have been recovered from Kalabagi and Baniakhali under the Sundarbans West Division,” he added. A Threat Recognised, But Unresolved Professor MA Aziz of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of Zoology and a noted tiger expert warned that leaf traps pose a major threat not only to deer but also to tigers themselves. “This issue is clearly mentioned in the Tiger Action Plan (2018–2027),” he said. He noted that deer hunting has become a secondary source of income for many forest-dependent people. “Demand for deer meat in local markets rises during new moon and full moon nights, leading to increased poaching,” he said, adding, “The forest no longer has the number of deer it needs. At the same time, tigers risk losing limbs or even their lives after getting caught in traps.” As the number of tiger inches upward, experts stress that protecting prey species is now the most urgent task. Without ensuring a healthy deer population, they warn, the Sundarbans’ fragile success story could quickly turn into another conservation setback where more tigers roam the forest, but with too little food to survive.

A critically injured tigress rescued from a poacher’s trap in the Sundarbans is battling for survival, wildlife experts said on Monday, raising renewed concern over illegal hunting in the world’s largest mangrove forest. The Forest Department rescued the 3–4-year-old tigress from a nylon rope snare near Boiragi Bari along the Sarkir Canal in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat district on Sunday afternoon. Veterinarians said the animal had remained trapped for several days, leaving it severely weakened and traumatised. Dr Julkar Nayen, veterinary officer of Gazipur Safari Park, said the tigress’s left leg suffered deep injuries due to prolonged entanglement in the trap. “The leg has rotted, blood circulation has stopped, blood vessels are damaged and body cells have been affected,” he said. The animal is suffering from mineral and salt deficiency and severe starvation. He said fluid discharge was observed from the tigress’s nose and her overall physical condition remains critical. “She is not fit to be shifted elsewhere at this stage. Treatment is ongoing, but it is difficult to predict recovery,” he added. Khulna Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department DFO Nirmal Kumar Pal, said the tigress regained consciousness on Sunday evening but remains in trauma. Tigress trapped in poachers’ snare in Sundarbans rescued “She is not walking and has refused food despite repeated attempts. Saline and medicines mixed with water are being administered,” he said, adding that a specialist team is monitoring her condition and she may be shifted to Dhaka if required. Meanwhile, the Forest Department has launched combing operations across several areas of the Sundarbans East Division to recover poachers’ traps. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said the operation began on Monday morning and will continue for at least two days. “Although no poachers have been arrested so far, about 35,000 feet of deer-hunting snares have been seized over the past 8 months,” he said. Khulna region Conservator of Forests Imran Ahmed said the tigress became critically weak after remaining trapped without food for days. “Advice from both local and foreign veterinarians is being sought,” he said. Wildlife experts criticised delays in the rescue operation, saying earlier intervention might have reduced the severity of the injuries. They urged the authorities to strengthen surveillance and take swift action to protect tigers in the Sundarbans. Wildlife expert and CEO of WildTeam Professor Dr Anwarul Islam called for maximum efforts to save the tigress, stressing coordinated action involving forest officials, veterinarians, universities and relevant ministries. Global tiger trafficking crisis deepens as 9 big cats seized each month “The tiger is the guardian of the Sundarbans, and local people are the guardians of the tiger. Without tigers, the Sundarbans cannot survive,” he said. Prof Anwarul Islam said that the tiger is the national animal of Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is the only refuge for the tiger. Currently, there are 125 tigers in the Sundarbans. “We do not want to lose even a single tiger.” The tigress was first spotted by a fisherman on Saturday afternoon, about half a kilometre inside the forest. After surrounding the area, forest officials tranquilised the animal on Sunday afternoon and transported it to the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. According to Forest Department data, the number of tigers in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans stood at 125 as of October 2024, up from 114 in 2018 and 106 in 2015. Tigers in the region continue to face threats from poaching, climate change and rising salinity. Read more: The Majestic Bengal Tiger: Conservation Success in the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, straddling the border of Bangladesh and India, is a vital stronghold for the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). In a really engaging interview with the UNB digital team on August 4, 2025, Prof. Dr. Md. Anwarul Islam, the CEO of Wildteam, gave some eye-opening updates about the tigers living in this incredible place and other areas, sharing stories of conservation triumphs and a bit of historical context. Rising Tiger Numbers in the Bangladesh Sundarbans Recent surveys indicate a promising upward trend in the tiger population within the Bangladesh portion of the Sundarbans. According to Prof Islam, the Forest Department recorded 106 tigers in 2015 using camera trapping techniques. By 2018, a collaborative effort between the Forest Department and Wildteam counted 114 tigers. The most recent survey in 2024, conducted by the Forest Department, reported 125 adult tigers, reflecting a nearly 10% increase since 2018 and a 17.92% rise since 2015. This growth is attributed to enhanced conservation measures, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat protection initiatives. The Sundarbans ecosystem is divided between Bangladesh and India, with approximately 60% of the forest located in Bangladesh and 40% in India. Prof Islam noted that while Bangladesh hosts 125 tigers, the Indian Sundarbans is estimated to have around 100 tigers, based on the latest available data from 2022. This brings the total tiger population in the Sundarbans to an estimated 225-250. The mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only mangrove habitat in the world inhabited by tigers, making it a critical conservation area. Read more: Poacher held with 300 deer traps in Sundarbans Table 1: Tiger population distribution in the Sundarbans. Region Estimated Tiger Count Percentage of Sundarbans Area Bangladesh 125 (2024) 60% India 100 (2022) 40% Total 225-250 100% . Global Tiger Population and India’s Role According to Prof. Islam, Globally, the tiger population is estimated at approximately 5,500, with India accounting for about 70% of this total, or roughly 3,850 tigers. According to a 2022 census, India’s tiger population stood at 3,682, with key reserves like Jim Corbett (260 tigers), Bandipur (150), and the Sundarbans (100) contributing significantly. This dominance underscores India’s pivotal role in global tiger conservation, supported by initiatives like Project Tiger and the expansion of tiger reserves. Historical Presence of Tigers in Bangladesh Prof Islam reflected on the historical distribution of tigers in Bangladesh, noting that they once roamed freely in regions such as Gazipur, Sylhet, Modhupur, and other areas. However, habitat loss, deforestation, and human encroachment have restricted their range to the Sundarbans. He cited an example of a tiger killed in Gazipur approximately 100 years ago, illustrating the significant contraction of tiger habitats over time. Today, the Sundarbans remains the last refuge for tigers in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need to protect this critical ecosystem. Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Clarifying the Royal Bengal Tiger A common misconception is that the "Royal Bengal tiger" is a distinct subspecies. Prof Islam clarified that the term refers to the habitat rather than a unique taxonomic classification. The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is found across Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan, thriving in diverse environments from mangrove swamps to deciduous forests. The Sundarbans’ tigers are morphologically distinct due to their adaptation to the mangrove habitat, but they are part of the broader Bengal tiger population. Tiger Subspecies and Habitat Loss Historically, there were nine recognized tiger subspecies, but only six remain today due to extinction events over the past century. These include: Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris): Found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti): Inhabits Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni): Found in peninsular Malaysia.Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica): Resides in the Russian Far East and parts of China.Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica): Found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis): Functionally extinct in the wild, with small populations in captivity.  Prof. Islam’s words stayed with me. The Sundarbans’ 125 tigers in Bangladesh are a sign of hope, thanks to years of hard work. But the fight isn’t over. We need to keep protecting this forest. The Bengal tiger, with its quiet strength, depends on the Sundarbans and on us. This interview reminded me why we can’t look away from this fight to save a piece of our wild heritage. Read more: Govt to ban new industrial units within 10km of Sundarbans ECA

Forest officials detained an alleged poacher who hunted deer in the Sundarbans as part of ongoing drives against illegal wildlife hunting. The arrestee Ariful Islam Dulal, a resident of Patharghata in Barguna, was caught red-handed along with 300 deer traps during a raid in Shukpara canal area under Bagerhat’s Sarankhola Range of Sundarbans East Division on on Monday, said Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury. Officials also seized knives, saws, rope, and other hunting equipment from the spot. Dulal was sent to jail through a court on Tuesday. Govt to formulate concrete action plan to protect Sundarbans: Rizwana According to the Forest Department, in the last two months, 34 people including three deer poachers were arrested, while 42 kg of venison, three deer heads, and thousands of traps were recovered from the Sundarbans. The department also seized 53 boats, three tons of fishing nets, 400 spears, and other illegal fishing equipment during the drives. A total of 42 cases have been filed so far, implicating 76 people.

Coast Guard members have detained two suspected members of notorious ‘Karim-Sharif Gang’, a Sundarbans-based robbery gang from Adasgi area along Shibsha River in the Sundarbans on Monday. The arrestees were identified as Saddam Khan, 20 and Abbas Molla, 40, two associates of Karim-Sharif Gang. Poaching surge threatens deer population in Sundarbans Tipped off, a team of Coast Guard members conducted a drive in the area and arrested them with two guns, one short gun, one play gun, arms making equipment, 23 rounds of cartridges, 204 rounds of blank cartridges, nine local weapons, four axes, seven saws, ten iron rods, five hammers, one solar panel, 28 mobile phones, 11 wakitaki chargers and two boats, said a press release of coast guard issued on Tuesday.  

The government has decided to prohibit the establishment of new industrial units and projects within 10 kilometres of the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) surrounding the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will soon issue a gazette notification in this regard, officials said on Monday. The decision  was taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Environment and Climate Change Committee at the Secretariat with Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan in the chair. In the Heart of the Sundarbans: Where Tigers Roam, Honeybees Thrive, and Communities Lead A neutral panel of experts will assess the environmental impact of existing industrial units within the 10km ECA zone. Based on these assessments and existing court orders, further decisions will be made regarding those establishments. The meeting also approved amendments to the Climate Change Trust Rules allowing joint project proposals from government, private organisations, and NGOs. It was also decided that all ministries will be consulted to formulate the next action plan to tackle noise pollution. Poaching surge threatens deer population in Sundarbans Proposals were also made to increase the enforcement budget of the Environment Ministry and to introduce and enhance risk allowances for Forest Department personnel. Besides, a target was set to ensure that at least 30 percent of bricks used in public and private construction by 2025 are concrete blocks. A coordination meeting at the secretary level will be held in May to follow up on the implementation.

In the heart of the Sundarbans, where diverse wildlife roam freely, a silent crisis is unfolding — a disturbing surge in illegal deer poaching is sweeping across the world’s largest mangrove forest and Unesco World Heritage Site. In the past three months alone, Forest Department officials and the Coast Guard personnel have recovered 641 kilogrammes of venison and detained 22 people involved in poaching operations across various areas, according to officials. Wildlife experts and local residents are alarmed, warning that this unchecked poaching could severely disrupt the Sundarbans' delicate ecological balance — potentially leading to the disappearance of its iconic Royal Bengal Tigers, which depend heavily on deer as their primary food source. However, the poaching rings — sophisticated and persistent — show no signs of slowing down. According to data provided by the Eastern and Western Divisions of the Sundarbans Forest Department and the Mongla Coast Guard West Zone, several joint operations were conducted between January and March. These efforts led to the seizure of a slaughtered deer, another dead deer, two hides, two heads, eight legs, 160 traps, four trawlers, five boats, a microbus, seven mobile phones, and the arrest of 22 individuals. Deer poaching in Sundarbans rising at alarming rate amid lax monitoring So far, 25 separate cases have been filed. Despite periodic crackdowns, organised poaching rings continue unabated. Poachers typically enter the forest illegally, set traps or use poisonous bait to capture spotted deer, slaughter them on site and then transport the meat to nearby villages for sale. Venison is reportedly sold for Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per kilogramme in both local and distant markets, including capital Dhaka, over 250 kilometres away. Local voices echo the alarm. Jamal Gazi, a fisherman and community patrol group (CPG) member from Sharankhola upazila, claims that nearly 100 active deer poachers operate in the area, often under the protection of influential figures. Gazi, a long-time advocate for forest conservation, says he has received threats for his stance. “Despite our appeals, the poaching continues. We are risking our lives to save the forest, but they [poachers] are well-organised and well-connected," he said. “Poachers don’t need to invest to obtain deer — they enter the forest, kill the animals, and sell the meat for a significant profit. That’s why they are increasingly motivated,” said Dr Anwarul Islam, wildlife expert and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WildTeam. “The deer is the tiger’s primary food source. If deer vanish from the Sundarbans, so will the tiger,” he warned. Forest officials said surveillance and patrols are being stepped up, particularly in high-risk zones such as Dacope, Chandpai, Sharankhola and Mongla. Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans, stated that patrols have been intensified and no compromise will be made with anyone found colluding with poachers. DFO AZM Hasanur Rahman of the Western Division admitted the challenges persist. “We’re conducting regular operations and inspecting suspicious trawlers and boats at various forest points,” he said, noting that his division alone had seized 255 kilogrammes of venison and recovered both a slaughtered and a dead deer in the past three months. 'Festival of poaching' endangers bird life in Bagerhat beel Residents and wildlife experts are calling for a multipronged strategy to address the crisis. This includes stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws, stronger political will, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation schemes offering alternative livelihoods to former poachers. “We must involve local communities in conservation efforts. People need to realise that deer are tiger food — not human food. Without reducing demand, we cannot cut off supply,” said Dr Anwarul Islam. He emphasised the need for a national awareness campaign with a clear message: “Say No to Venison.” The Sundarbans — spanning 6,017 square kilometres, including 4,143 square kilometres of land and 1,873 square kilometres of water — is home to an estimated 136,604 spotted deer and 125 Royal Bengal Tigers. As poaching networks grow more sophisticated, officials and conservationists fear time is running out — for the deer, for the tigers, and for the Sundarbans itself. With additional support from Julfekar Dehan.  

Bangladesh, a land rich in culture and history, proudly hosts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reflect its diverse heritage and natural wonders. From the serene Sundarbans—the world’s largest mangrove forest—to the ancient architectural marvels of Bagerhat and Paharpur, these sites are globally recognised for their cultural and ecological significance.  Each heritage site tells a unique story of the country’s past, offering a glimpse into its spiritual, artistic, and environmental legacy. As tourism grows and conservation becomes crucial, these treasures not only attract global admiration but also highlight the importance of preserving history for future generations.  List of World UNESCO Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Here is a closer look at Bangladesh’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat Located in the Bagerhat District in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat is one of the country's most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Recognised in 1985 under UNESCO's cultural heritage list, this ancient city offers a fascinating glimpse into the Islamic architectural legacy of the Bengal Sultanate era.  Originally known as Khalifatabad, the city was founded in the 15th century by a revered Turkic general and Sufi saint, Ulugh Khan Jahan, who was appointed governor by Sultan Mahmud Shah. Spread across nearly 50 square kilometres, the city flourished along the banks of the Bhairab River near the edge of the Sundarbans and became an urban masterpiece of its time. Read more: Top 15 Heritage Sites of Bangladesh Bagerhat is especially renowned for its incredible brick architecture, with the iconic Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid) standing as the centrepiece. Built using baked bricks, the mosque features 77 domes supported by 60 stone pillars and showcases a distinctive blend of Persian, Arab, and Bengali architectural influences. Beyond its religious function, it also served as a madrasa and assembly hall. 

Coast Guard (CG) members rescued 33 fishers, including six women, from a den of pirates, who allegedly abducted them for ransom a few days back, from a deep jungle in the Sundarbans. The CG men also recovered 16 fishing boats from the den but no pirate could be detained in this regard. All the victims hail from Koyra upazila of Khulna district. According to a CG statement issued on Thursday, the operatives of the notorious Karim Sharif pirate gang abducted the fishers and took away their boats while they were fishing in the Karkari River of the mangrove forest. 50 pirates surrender with firearms in Ctg The pirates took the victims to their den and demanded Tk 10, 000 as ransom to their families against each victim, reads the statement. Acting tipped-off, the CG members from Mongla Base and Nalian Outpost conducted a raid in the river to rescue the victims from 11am to 7pm on Wednesday. Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the pirates opened fire in the blank and at one stage they fled the remote forest, said the statement. Later, the fishers were rescued from the den, along with the boats. After giving first-aid at Koyra station of the CG, a process was underway to hand over the victims to their families, it added.

One of the first things I noticed, the night I arrived in Bangladesh, was that the moon lies on its side here as if it's smiling. This showed me how far away from home I was, closer to the equator, but also foreshadowed that the main thing the moon causes is stronger here: the tides. The first days in Dhaka were a flood of impressions. Fantastic impressions — of Iftars with the tastiest food — to playing guitar in the park. In such a bustling city, where at every street corner, something interesting seems to be going on. Then came the start of our cycling trip: through Dhaka towards the port. On Thursday afternoon (March 27), we criss-crossed through broad motorways surrounded by hordes of tuktuks, rikshaws, trucks, motors, making a chaotic symphony of honks, toots, and sirens, as well as narrow alleys full of shoppers, stalls, and all sorts of different shops. The people were leaving Dhaka for their hometowns to celebrate the final days of Ramadan, and we were right in between this high tide, flowing back into a sea of villages. Buzzing in my head on the boat/launch towards Barishal, catching any sleep was no easy feat, so it failed, but fueled by excitement around 6 am we arrived and started cycling. How far? Around 120 km. How long? Hopefully we'll be there before sunset. Now we were complete, four Bagh Bikers on their way towards the Sundarbans, and after some first kilometers on the main roads, we gathered the courage and curiosity to try out the little and adventurous roads. Finally, ebbed, because although we were biking slower now, we saw so much beauty along the way: beautiful landscapes, forest, fields, and little villages.