A call for stronger conservation efforts to protect the Bengal tiger and preserve the Sundarbans was made at a programme organised to mark International Tiger Day in Mongla yesterday. The programme, titled “Save the Sundarbans, Save the Tiger”, was held at Mithakhali Bazar in Bagerhat’s Mongla upazila and organised by DHORA (Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra), Pashur River Waterkeeper, Badabon Sangha and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Participants highlighted the sharp global decline in tiger populations, noting that wild tigers once roamed 11 of East Bengal’s 17 districts in the 1930s. They said the global tiger population has fallen significantly over the past century, with the species now surviving in only a handful of countries.
Md Noor Alam Sheikh, a central activist of DHORA and Pashur River Waterkeeper, who presided over the programme, warned that organised wildlife trafficking networks remain active in and around the Sundarbans. “Both local and international smuggling syndicates target tigers for their body parts, which are trafficked abroad. Strong action is needed to dismantle these criminal networks,” he said.
He said climate change, pollution, illegal hunting, poisoning of water bodies to catch fish, and other destructive activities continue to threaten the Sundarbans, making tiger conservation increasingly difficult. He called for the effective implementation of the Tiger Action Plan to ensure the species’ long-term survival.
Mongla upazila BNP President Abdul Mannan Howlader attended the programme as the chief guest. He described the tiger as a symbol of strength and national pride and urged people from all walks of life to work together to protect both the animal and the Sundarbans, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Special guest Sheikh Rustam Ali, a social worker and sports organiser, called for stronger policy support and coordinated initiatives to conserve the forest.
Environmental activist Mehedi Hasan alleged that influential groups operating “under political patronage” were contributing to the destruction of the Sundarbans and its wildlife. He urged the authorities to take firm measures against activities that endanger the forest and its tiger population.
Earlier in the day, participants brought out a colourful procession through Chandpai and Mithakhali Bazar to raise awareness about tiger conservation. Organisers also arranged a tiger-themed awareness performance and a friendly football match at Mithakhali playground in the afternoon as part of the tiger day observance.
