On July 29, 2024, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Pasur River Waterkeeper, and
Waterkeepers Bangladesh organized a human chain and mass gathering at Kainmari in
Mongla, near the Sundarbans, in observance of World Tiger Day 2024.
Md. Noor Alam Sk., the Coordinator of Sundarbans Rokhhay Amra and Pasur River
Waterkeeper, served as the Chief Guest at the rally and human chain event. Other
speakers included Abdur Rashid Hawladar, General Secretary of the Sundarban
Fishermen's Association and member of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Sundarbans forester
Md. Zahid Bepari, Md. Shahadat Bepari, Pasur River Waterkeeper volunteer Hena
Begum, and Jotsna Begum.
During the Tiger Day rally and human chain, speakers noted that in the 1930s, wild
tigers roamed 11 out of 17 districts of East Bengal (now Bangladesh). Currently, aside
from a small number of tigers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, wild tigers are only found in
the Sundarbans. The speakers highlighted that the existence of both tigers and the
Sundarbans is threatened by climate warming. They emphasized that the well-being of
the Sundarbans is crucial for the survival of tigers, which play a vital role in maintaining
the natural balance of the Sundarbans. They expressed concern over the impact of
unplanned industrialization and the poisoning of canals on the biodiversity of the
Sundarbans, including its tiger population. The speakers stressed the importance of
preserving tigers, symbols of Bengali valor and natural heritage.
In his address, Chief Guest Md. Noor Alam Sk. pointed out that all animals in the
Sundarbans, including tigers, are protected under the Wildlife Act, which prohibits the
hunting of tigers and the use, marketing, and export of tiger parts. He also mentioned
that international smuggling groups are active in tiger poaching and smuggling in the
Sundarbans.
Abdur Rashid Howladar, leader of the Fishermen's Association, stated in his presidential
address that increased public awareness and frequent patrols by the forest department
can help reduce poaching. He also called for enhanced scientific research, monitoring,
and efforts to resolve tiger-human conflicts.
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