United News of Bangladesh

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.

The much-anticipated TigerScout Annual Camp 2025, organized by WildTeam, was inaugurated today at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre in Joymoni, Mongla, Bagerhat. The event brought together young conservationists, environmental leaders, and community representatives to celebrate and strengthen youth engagement in tiger conservation. The programme is organized under the aegis of Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) supported by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), German Cooperation and KfW Development Bank. TigerScouts is a network of student volunteers who serve as tiger conservation ambassadors in their schools and communities. As passionate young conservationists raise awareness about wildlife protection, develop leadership skills, and take part in voluntary conservation activities. The program was presided over by Paritosh Mistry, Headmaster of Joymoni Secondary School, where a Sundarbans Education Centre is located. This reflects the school’s continued commitment to fostering environmental education and conservation leadership among students. Brave ancestors

The annual District Correspondents’ Conference of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) 2025 took place on Saturday at Cosmos Centre in Dhaka, focusing on neutrality in journalism and the evolving media landscape. Renowned photojournalist and educator Shahidul Alam inaugurated the daylong event with a session on photojournalism, emphasising accuracy, quality and creativity in capturing news images. Two-day fact-checking workshop concludes at UNB Alam, the founder of Drik Picture Library and Pathshala, also analysed photographs by both global and local photographers. UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan underscored the agency’s steadfast commitment to neutrality, stating that despite transformations in Bangladesh's media landscape, UNB has remained unaffected. He highlighted that public trust in UNB is rooted in its dedication to factual reporting. UNB Executive Editor Nahar Khan welcomed the participants and discussed the evolving challenges and opportunities in journalism. She stressed the importance of integrity and innovation in the profession, citing examples of impactful reporting that prompted swift government action. The conference featured sessions on environmental reporting, fact-checking, media law and discussions with newsroom members and district correspondents. Among the notable speakers were Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center; media personality Afsan Chowdhury; WildTeam CEO Dr Anwarul Islam; Supreme Court lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa; Cosmos Goup DMD Masud J. Khan; UNB Advisory Editor Farid Hossain; Editor Mahfuzur Rahman; and Dhaka Courier Executive Editor Shayan S Khan. Two-day fact-checking training begins at UNB Three UNB district correspondents—Hossain Malik (Chuadanga), Sheikh Didarul Alam (Khulna), and Saiful Islam Shilpi (Chattogram)—were recognised for their outstanding performance in 2024. Around 100 journalists from across the country, including Dhaka, attended the event.

The International SeaKeepers Society Bangladesh Chapter, in collaboration with WildTeam, has launched a groundbreaking plastic waste management initiative at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre (TigerHouse) in the Sundarbans. This pioneering programme, spearheaded by SeaKeepers, underscores their steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management practices. Held on January 10, the launch event was attended by distinguished guests, including the Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh, Andre Carstens, and the EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Dr. Bernd Spanier, who joined local volunteers and community members in this impactful campaign. Exploring Sundarbans: A Journey of natural wonders, global responsibility

The Sundarbans, nestled between India and Bangladesh, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My recent trip to the Bangladesh Sundarbans with my family and friends was nothing short of a life-changing experience. This extraordinary place isn’t just a forest; it’s a world teeming with vibrant life and an incredible example of human-nature coexistence. What I saw, learned, and experienced there will stay with me forever. We started our trip from Dhaka, and it took us just over five hours to reach the ‘TigerHouse’ at WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre, Joymoni, near Mongla, Bagerhat. There, we were warmly welcomed by Dr Md Anwarul Islam, CEO of WildTeam. The Museum of the TigerHouse featured many taxidermies and preserved specimens of different animals from around the Sundarbans. After a short break and refreshment, the Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) also demonstrated how they protect the villagers from tiger attacks when tigers stray into the village.   When it comes to saving tigers and conserving wildlife around the Sundarbans these local volunteers are real heroes. They have dedicated their lives to this noble cause. For me, listening to their stories and seeing their courage up close was incredibly humbling. They in a way embody the delicate balance between humans and wildlife that defines the Sundarbans. We met the BaghBandhus – the friends of tigers and the TigerScouts and listened to how they are involved in tiger conservation in the Sundarbans.  It was not easy to engage the local communities in tiger conservation when their dear ones were taken over by tigers.  The next morning, we went on a boating excursion through the network of waterways that crisscrossed the Sundarbans. The beautiful sunrise and the morning lifestyle of the villagers contrasted with the constant hustle and bustle of city life. Professor Anwar guided us throughout the trip and gave us a lot of information about the humongous mangrove forest. I was astonished by the variety of flora and fauna and their different ways of survival instincts. There were a lot of ‘Sundari’ trees that are in fact the alveoli of the Sundarbans, which are like the lungs of Bangladesh and the broader South Asia region.  The mangrove trees can reach incredible heights and have been providing the community with resources for daily living. However, the Sundari trees have been affected by an unknown top-dying disease, which made this plant species globally threatened.  We took a stop at the Harbaria Ecotourism Center, which was located at the heart of the Sundarbans. The forest rangers showed us around the park and provided us with various information about the wildlife in the Sundarbans.  The fresh pugmarks of tigers, calls of red jungle fowl and the crested serpent eagle and a variety of breathing roots attracted me most.  It was a new experience to see how some of the mangrove species take oxygen through their breathing roots, the pneumatophores.  From the moment I stepped into the Sundarbans, I was surrounded by nature's wonders. One of my most memorable moments was watching a pair of Brahminy Kites glide effortlessly above the dense mangroves.

Focusing on empowering the aspiring wildlife researchers, leading environmental conservation organization WildTeam’s two-day workshop titled ‘Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme’ was inaugurated on Sunday at the Padma Conference Room, Cosmos Centre in the capital’s Malibagh. The workshop aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, design and conduct successful wildlife research projects, covering a range of topics including the principles of research design, field data collection techniques, data analysis, and report writing. The workshop is also designed to provide the participants with the latest tools and technologies used in wildlife research, including GPS tracking, remote sensing, and camera traps. On Sunday morning, the workshop was formally launched with an inaugural speech session, followed by the introduction to the course module. Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle, Bangladesh Forest Department joined the introductory session as the guest of honor. Read more: Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation: WildTeam hosting workshop at Cosmos Centre on Feb 26-27 Chaired by Enayetullah Khan, Founder of WildTeam and Chairman of Cosmos Foundation, the introductory session was moderated by Dr Md Anwarul Islam, CEO and spokesperson for WildTeam and also joined by.Caren Blume, Head of Development Section, the Embassy of Germany in Dhaka, and Dr Elke Hellstern, Member of the Programme Council, Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme at the KFW Development Bank, Germany.

Dhaka, Feb 25 (UNB) – WildTeam, a leading environmental conservation organization, is set to host a two-day workshop titled ‘Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme’ on February 26 and 27 at the Padma Conference Room, Cosmos Center in Malibagh, Dhaka. The workshop aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, design and conduct successful wildlife research projects. The WildTeam workshop is an exclusive collaboration with the Bangladesh Forest Department, Wildlife Trust of India, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka University, Jagannath University, and Noakhali University of Science and Technology. Participants with an interest in wildlife research, including research students, researchers, and professionals will have the opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and practitioners in the field of wildlife biology and conservation. This will be the first time that researchers from India and Bangladesh will gather and share their thoughts, knowledge, and practice initiatives on what should be done for the betterment of wildlife conservation. Also Read: 300 sheltered at WildTeam’s Conservation Biology Centre during Sitrang Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle, Bangladesh Forest Department, will join the workshop as the guest of honour, while the workshop will be chaired by Enayetullah Khan, Founder of WildTeam and Chairman of Cosmos Foundation. The workshop will cover a range of topics, including the principles of research design, field data collection techniques, data analysis, and report writing. In addition, participants will learn about the latest tools and technologies used in wildlife research, including GPS tracking, remote sensing, and camera traps. A total of 50 participants are set to join the two-day workshop, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on day one (February 26) and 10:00 am to 4:45 pm on day two (February 27). “We are thrilled to host this workshop and provide participants with the skills and knowledge they need to conduct successful wildlife research,” said Professor Dr Md Anwarul Islam, CEO and spokesperson for WildTeam. “We believe that this workshop will be an excellent opportunity for participants to learn from experienced researchers and practitioners and to network with others in the field.” The event includes all workshop materials, refreshments, and lunch on both days. Participants will also receive certificates at the closing ceremony of this exclusive workshop. About WildTeam: WildTeam is a leading environmental organization committed to protecting wildlife and their habitats. The organization's mission is to work with communities, governments, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable wildlife conservation and management practices.  

The 18thAnnual General Meeting (AGM) of WildTeam, a conservation organization, was held at its head office at Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, on Thursday.  The AGM elected a five-member executive committee comprising Mr Enam Ul Haque as the Chairman of the board, Mr Md. Shamsur Rahman as the Vice-chairman, Professor Dr Md. Anwarul Islam as the General Secretary, Professor Dr Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury as the Treasurer, and Mr Enayetullah Khan as a member. Among others, Professor M Harunur Rashid, Professor Dr Nitish Chandra Debnath, Professor Dr Mizan R Khan, Professor Dr Mohammad Abdul Aziz, Professor Dr Ismot Ara and Ms Alifa Bintha Haque who are also the members, congratulated the executive committee. Also read:  Ban on entering Sundarbans: 2 lakh families pushed into financial hardship The AGM unanimously nominated Ms Nahar Khan, Director, UNB, and Vice President, Cosmos Group, as a member of the WildTeam. She was welcomed to the board by all. WildTeam is carrying out its activities to improve the conservation status of key animal species and habitats in Bangladesh and developing partnerships, tools, and platforms to build the capacity of organizations and individuals to carry out effective conservation in the country. WildTeam was able to engage communities in the Sundarbans with support from Bangladesh Forest Department, USAID, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoological Society of London, IUCN-KfW, and others to conserve tigers there. WildTeam team is now working in almost all the 76 villages of the Sundarbans with its volunteers: 340 Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) members, 55 BaghBandhus (friends of tigers), and 50 TigerScouts. Also read: Sundarbans Day: Biodiversity under threat as salinity increases At present WildTeam is implementing IUCN-KfW’s Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme Phase II, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India and Jahangirnagar University, in the Sundarbans.

A 10-feet python was released in the Sundarbans after being rescued by  members of Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) and WildTeam, wildlife conservation organization, at North Tafalbari village in Sarankhola Upazila Tuesday afternoon. Locals spotted the python in a pond of Jiten Gain of the village and informed the Forest Department. On information, VTRT members rushed to the spot and rescued the python weighing 20-25 kg. Read: Python released in Kaptai National Park Md. Shamsul Arefin, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of Sarankhola Range, said the python might have entered the locality in search of food. On December 13, another python was caught by local people at Zilbunia village of Sarankhola Upazila and then it was released in the Sundarbans. According to the Forest Department, over 100 pythons were rescued in the last one year from different adjacent areas of the Sundarbans.

The Noazesh Knowledge Centre (NKC) of WildTeam arranged a five-day basic online training on Ecological Data Analysis With R.