United News of Bangladesh

The female tiger rescued from the Sundarbans in critical condition is showing gradual improvement, officials said on Tuesday. The 3–4-year-old tiger had been trapped in a poacher’s snare for three to four days, sustaining a severe injury to her front left leg. Veterinarians at the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center said that although many damaged cells in the wound have died the injury remains at risk. Zulkernine, veterinary officer at Gazipur Safari Park, said, “Many cells in the wound have died, but the injured area is still at risk. We are dressing it twice daily and providing medicines and injections. The tiger is weak but showing signs of recovery.” Khulna Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department DFO Nirmal Kumar Pal added, “The tiger is eating regularly and moving around. She shows aggression if approached. Necessary treatment is ongoing, and she is under continuous monitoring. She is now out of immediate danger.” Read More: Tiger trapped in poachers’ snare in Sundarbans; rescue operation underway Sundarbans East Division DFO Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said a special operation has been underway since January 5 to recover poachers’ traps. “Poacher activity has increased raising concerns for our forest staff. Controlling poaching will benefit wildlife and forest resources in the Sundarbans,” he noted. The tiger was tranquilised on January 4 near a poacher trap in Bagerhat’s Monla area and transported to the center in a metal cage. Over the past eight days, the Forest Department has removed numerous traps and rescued an injured chital deer. According to forest officials, camera-trap surveys recorded 125 tigers in Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans as of October 2024, up from 114 in 2018 and 106 in 2015. Each tiger occupies a home range of 14–16 square kilometers within the protected mangrove forest.

Beyond the hum-drum of hectic cities, Bangladesh is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that conserve endangered species, maintain ecological balance, and offer natural habitats for wildlife and migratory birds. The Habiganj district, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, is blessed with natural greenery, featuring lush forests, tea gardens, hills, and wildlife. Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1982 in Habiganj and was enlarged in 1996. Besides abounding in many rare plants and animal species, its scenic landscapes provide fresh air, biodiversity, and a peaceful environment for visitors and locals. Here is a detailed travel guide to Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary.  Location The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Chunarughat Upazila of Habiganj District in the Sylhet Division. It lies next to India's Tripura border and close to Srimangal in the Moulvibazar district. Approximately 130 km northeast of Dhaka, the city, lies the wildlife reserve. It includes the Kalenga, Rema, Chanbari, and Rashidpur portions of the Habiganj District's Kalenga Forest Range. Significance The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest and wildlife reserve in Bangladesh. It is a dry and evergreen forest, and after the Sundarbans, it is the largest natural forest in Bangladesh. It is also the country’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary and one of the richest areas in terms of biodiversity. The sanctuary covers an area of 1,795.54 hectares. Among the few natural forests in Bangladesh that have survived in relatively good condition, Rema–Kalenga is one of the most notable. Read more: International Air Flights with Connecting Flights: Beginner’s Guide for Transfer-transit Passengers Among Bangladesh's natural forests, this sanctuary is still in good condition. However, the refuge is threatened by deforestation and careless tree theft. Flora The sanctuary is home to 638 species of plants, trees, and vines. Some of the most notable among them include Awal, Teak, Kakra, Neur, Hargaza, Gandharoi, Haritaki, Bohera, Jamun, Fig, Jackfruit, Champa Jackfruit, Kau, Kadam, Rata, Chikrashi, Chapalish, Neem, Bonmala, etc.

Forest officials in a drive seized 25 kgs of deer venison from Jongla area under Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Zone in Bagerhat district.Tipped off, a team of forest officials conducted a drive in the area on Sunday and challenged a boat at a canal, two kilometers away from the Sundarbans. 4 deer die while being shifted to Bogura from Dhaka ZooLater, they seized the venison, deer skin, deer head, trap and a boat, said Dipon Chandra Das, said assistant forest conservator of Chandpai Range.However, the forest officials could not arrest anyone as the poachers managed to flee the scene.The seized items were sent to the Khulna. Two men arrested for hunting deer in BagerhatOn January 15, the forest officials seized 30 kgs of venison, two heads, seven legs and a trap from the Sundarbans.  

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has recovered 16 acres of illegally occupied forest land in Gazipur since August 5 out of a total of 90 acres marked for reclamation, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said. She said this while addressing a discussion on forest and environmental conservation at the conference room of the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday. “No matter how powerful the illegal occupants are, strict action will be taken against them,” Rizwana said. Old, polluting buses in Dhaka to be scrapped to combat air pollution: Rizwana She said all occupied lands will be freed from illegal occupation within the next three months and instructed deputy commissioners to expedite the process of demarcating forest boundaries. Rizwana warned that strict actions will also be taken to prevent deforestation and pollution caused by industries. She advised the Department of Environment to thoroughly review all aspects before issuing permits and include public opinion during the renewal process. The Adviser called upon all stakeholders including citizens and organisations to actively contribute to environmental protection efforts. Certain areas to be declared ‘no brickfield zones:’ Rizwana The discussion, presided over by Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, was attended by key officials, including the Superintendent of Police, the Commander of the Army Security Unit, the Commander of 63 BGB, the Secretary of Gazipur City Corporation, representatives from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment, local representatives, environmental activists, and government and non-government officials. The participants discussed pressing issues such as local environmental degradation, illegal forest occupation, and industrial pollution.

The recently constructed patrol outposts under the 'Protection of Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Project' are set to provide crucial shelter for forest guards and foresters during the upcoming monsoon season. Two new outposts in the Hayatkhali and Bojboja areas were completed in the last fiscal year and are now operational. Additionally, ongoing construction of outposts at Nalian Station, Hadda, Sharbatkhali, Shakbaria, and Pashkhali under the Khulna range, as well as the Kalagachia patrol camp under the Satkhira range, is expected to be finished soon. The government initiative aims to protect forest guards from natural calamities such as cyclonic storms and tidal surges, which pose significant dangers to their lives. The three-storey office-staff barracks of the Sundarbans Protection Project have become a safe haven for the forest guards during natural disasters, said Mizanur Rahman, in charge of the Bojboja patrol camp, and Md Muktadir, in charge of the Hayatkhali camp, noting the improved morale among the forest guards due to the enhanced security. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, serves as a vital shield against natural disasters, protecting the coastal population. The Tk 157.87 crore project, which started in January 2021, is set to be completed by December this year, according to the Forest Department. The project includes the construction of 28 new outposts and two range offices. Sundarbans Day in southwestern region on Feb 14; a clarion call to love, save the forest Additional initiatives under the project involve the re-excavation of the Bhola and Aruaber rivers and Kharma canals, alongside research and survey works focusing on the Sundarbans. Key activities of the project include training Forest Department officials in wildlife crime control, wildlife conservation, primary treatment, SMART patrolling, wildlife habitat observation, and other essential skills. This training aims to enhance their efficiency and response to the diverse challenges within the Sundarbans. Dr. Abu Naser Mohsin, Khulna Divisional Forest Officer for the Sundarbans West Zone, emphasized the project's significance. The long-standing housing problem of forest guards will be solved through this initiative, he said. Post-implementation, they will have detailed ecological data on trees, plants, animals, birds, water salinity, and aquatic life, he added. The Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and the Arannyak Foundation have been conducting research for two years, with findings expected to be available by December 2025. This research includes studying the biodiversity of the Sundarbans, the impacts of climate change, increasing salinity, early disease diagnosis in Sundari trees, and the lifecycle of forest animals and aquatic resources. "Biodiversity and aquatic resources of the Sundarbans, an invaluable resource of Bangladesh, need to be researched in a multidimensional and coordinated way," said Prof. Anwarul Quadir, executive director of Sundarbans Academy. "We have been demanding the government form a separate ministry for the Sundarbans to ensure its protection and preservation." Climate change makes a decline in forest density in Sundarbans’ water bodies: Study

Bangladesh, with its vibrant landscapes and lush greenery, especially during the rainy season, beckons nature enthusiasts to explore its natural wonders. One of the crown jewels among these is Ratargul Swamp Forest.  Often heralded as the "Amazon of Bangladesh," this mystical swamp forest located in the Sylhet region offers a surreal adventure, captivating those who seek tranquility and the thrill of nature at its most serene and wild. Location and Conservation Efforts Situated along the Gowain River at Fatehpur union in Gowainghat, Ratargul Swamp Forest lies approximately 26 kilometers from Sylhet. This unique ecosystem thrives within the waters of the river, interconnected with the Chengir Khal channel.  Read more: Shopping in Hong Kong: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Under the stewardship of the Forest Department, Ratargul is preserved as a vital ecological haven, ensuring its flora and fauna continue to flourish.

Bangladesh's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Saturday (February 24, 2024) said that the government would introduce incentive packages to promote the production of environmentally-friendly block bricks. Saber came up with the announcement during a media interaction following a meeting with officials from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment at Feni Circuit House on Saturday. Brick kiln owners can be benefited from these incentives as part of the government's efforts to transition away from air-polluting and land-damaging brick kilns, he said, emphasising the need for the designation of specific areas for waste recycling by municipalities. The minister urged officials to take proactive measures to combat environmental pollution, including the prohibition of polythene use. Read more: Govt working to promote climate-resilient crops: Saber Hossain He stressed prompt actions in cases where environmental clearance is lacking and urged against delays in issuing such clearances. Moreover, Minister Saber underscored the need for the daily clearance of medical and municipal waste and instructed divisional forest officials to reclaim encroached forest land and initiate afforestation projects in urban and coastal regions. Chaired by Feni District Magistrate Shahina Akter, various officials including BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad, Additional Superintendent of Police Din Mohammad, Additional District Magistrate Abishek Das, Divisional Forest Officer Ruhul Amin, and Feni Department of Environment Deputy Director Showkat Ara Kali, among others were present on the occasion. Following the meeting, Feni Awami League General Secretary and local MP Nizam Uddin Hazari and Feni sadar municipality Mayor Nazrul Islam Swapon Miaji exchanged greetings with the environment minister with floral tributes. Read more: Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns?

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, has become a hub of activity, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the globe with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. This natural wonder is not only a key tourist attraction but also plays a vital role in promoting environmental conservation and boosting local revenue. During the prime visiting months from October to February, the Sundarbans offers visitors cool river waters and pleasant weather, making it an ideal destination for exploring its unique ecosystem. Recent statistics reveal a significant uptick in tourism, with 216,143 visitors, including 2,143 international guests, in the fiscal year 2022-2023, generating Tk 3.94 crore in revenue for the government. This marks a notable increase from previous years, highlighting the forest's growing appeal and importance to Bangladesh's economy. According to data collected from the local forest office, the number of tourists was 1,89,570 in the fiscal year 2018-2019 and of them, 2,261 came from other countries. The government earned Tk 1.51 crore during this period. Read: Sundarbans Day in southwestern region on Feb 14; a clarion call to love, save the forest  In the fiscal year, 2019-2020, the number of tourists was 1,72,979. Of them 2,317 came from overseas. A total of Tk 1.87 crore was collected as revenue during this period.

Although February 14 is celebrated as Valentine's Day, the people of the coastal areas of the Sundarbans celebrate the day as 'Sundarbans Day' with a call to come forward for protecting  the forest and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the Unesco World Heritage Site. Sundarbans,  the land of mangrove and Royal Bengal Tiger, is facing the impacts climate change which is affecting nature-dependent livelihoods, health, and nutrition of nearby communities. The day has been celebrated for two decades in the coastal southwestern region including Khulna to raise awareness among people about the need of conserving the Sundarbans. On February 14, 2001, under the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan, Khulna University and 70 other environmental organizations of the country declared February 14 as 'Sundarbans Day' and celebrate it every year. Read more: Wood collectors losing interest in Golpata collection in Sundarbans amid falling demand Taking to UNB, Professor Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Paikgachha upazila adjacent to the Sundarbans, said, "The Sundarbans is vital for our survival. The Sundarbans is the lungs of South Asia. If we do not take proper initiatives to protect it, our country will face a great disaster. So first of all you have to love the Sundarbans. February 14 is the Sundarbans Day for us. “ Bidesh Ranjan Mridha, president of Koyra Unnayan Sangram Coordination Committee, said, "On February 14, we want to inspire the coastal people to love the Sundarbans. Many people do not understand what damages are being done to the Sundarbans. Nature in the forest is changing due to the  rise in the salinity level.” “Sundari tree, one of the most extensively found mangrove species in the Sundarbans, is disappearing fast. Goran, Gewa, Keora are growing there. The nature of water and soil of the Sundarbans has changed. If there was no Sundarbans, Koyra upazila would have been vanished by the cyclones, “ he added. Keramat Mawla, a former member of Mahisharipur union adjacent to the Sundarbans,  said, "Now fish are not found in the river next to our Sundarbans. Profit mongers are killing animals with poison to destroy the Sundarbans. The number of deer is also shrinking. Golpata collectors cut thousands of maunds of leaves with a permit of 500 maunds. We want to make local residents aware of these issues on Sundarbans Day.” Read: Jashore flower growers eye Tk 70 cr sale in the month of language, Falgun, Valentine’s Day

Lawachara National Park is a prominent national park in Bangladesh. The park is known for its extensive forest reserves with diverse flora and fauna in and around it. Being a national park, Lawachara is a must-visit place for anyone traveling around Sreemangal and Moulvibazar. Here’s everything you need to know about touring the famous natural reserve of Bangladesh.  Where is Lawachara National Park?  Lawachara National Park is situated in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar district. The park used to be part of the greater West Bhanugach Reserved Forest area until its establishment as a national park. The reserved forest covers approximately 27.4 sqkm of land of which Lawachara covers around 12.5 sq km.  The northeastern region of Bangladesh is known for the large deciduous trees indigenous to the region (as a secondary forest). Likewise, Lawachara thrived as a semi-evergreen forest biome with a deciduous forest biome.  Read more: Best Rustic Resorts and Campsites near Dhaka