Wildlife Crime Control Unit to be strengthened: Saber

Wildlife Crime Control Unit to be strengthened: Saber

Dhaka, Apr 01 - Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said exemplary measures will be taken against wildlife trafficking and poaching in Bangladesh.

“Besides, the government is planning to implement harsher punishments for offenders, surpassing those in neighbouring countries, and to bolster the Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Forest Department,” he said.

The Minister made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Center for Research and Information, the Awami League-affiliated think tank, at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Besides, he pledged to amend regulations for more effective enforcement.

Chowdhury highlighted the importance of safeguarding wildlife, citing tigers as pivotal to the preservation of the Sundarbans.

He expressed concern over Bangladesh's role as a transit point and domestic market for wildlife traffickers, underscoring the urgency of preventing unlawful activities.

Furthermore, the Minister stressed the imperative to protect the Chattogram Hill Tracts, a global biodiversity hotspot, through collective efforts.

Additional Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Iqbal Abdullah Harun and senior officials of Centre for Research and Information were present on the occasion.-UNB