SARANKHOLA, BAGERHAT, May 21: Despite intensified patrols, stricter surveillance and repeated drives by authorities, illegal intrusion, poaching of deer and other wildlife, and the activities of forest bandits continue unabated in the Sundarban, officials and locals say.
The world's largest mangrove forest is increasingly witnessing a troubling nexus between poachers and armed forest gangs, with allegations that both groups operate in mutual cooperation driven by shared interests.
The issue has drawn renewed attention after several recent incidents. On May 11, forest officials rescued two live deer from the Patharghata area of Barguna and released them back into the forest. A day later, a suspected poacher identified as Kuddus Raja was detained in Kalaiarkhal under Char Duani Union, but was allegedly snatched away by an armed group after an attack on forest guards, leaving two officials injured.
On May 13, a gunfight broke out between forest bandits and guards in the Kokilmoni area of the Sundarbans, where four abducted fishermen were later rescued with their hands and feet tied.
According to the Forest Department, 377 people were arrested in 241 cases following 474 operations over the past year. During the drives, large quantities of illegal fishing gear, poison-laced catch, and around 250 kilograms of deer meat were seized.
Officials and environmentalists say the situation has worsened in recent years, with criminal networks becoming more coordinated. Reports suggest that forest bandits provide shelter and protection to poachers in exchange for a share of deer meat and other wildlife products, while poachers help supply food and maintain networks inside deep forest zones.
Locals also allege that the groups exchange information on patrol routes and use remote forest channels to evade law enforcement. Deer meat is reportedly sold at Tk 800-1,200 per kg in illicit markets across coastal districts and even major cities.
Poachers are also said to target live deer for wealthy buyers, while skins and antlers are trafficked as decorative items. High-powered airguns, poison traps and nylon nets are widely used in deep forest areas such as Dimer Char, Rupor Gang, Katka, Betmori River and Kalairkhal.
Forest officials say joint drives with the Coast Guard have intensified under a "zero tolerance" policy, resulting in the seizure of weapons, dismantling of hideouts, and arrests of dozens of suspects. However, they acknowledge that limited manpower and lack of modern equipment continue to hamper surveillance.
Environmental experts warn that continued poaching could destabilise the Sundarbans' fragile ecosystem. "If deer populations decline, tigers will face food shortages and may move closer to human settlements," said journalist and environmental activist Shubhra Sachin, calling for stronger enforcement, drone surveillance and public awareness campaigns.
Locals living near the forest say fear remains constant due to the presence of armed groups. "We are always worried about forest bandits entering nearby villages," said a resident of Sarankhola.
Forest officials say patrols have been increased in key zones, including Dublar Char, Katka and Baidyamari, with drone monitoring and smart patrolling systems being expanded to curb illegal activities.
