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বাংলা E-Paper 📍 Dhaka 📅 Thursday | 20 August 2026, 5 Bhadro 1433

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Entry ban, tech monitoring revive Sundarbans biodiversity

Published : Thursday, 20 August, 2026 at 6:17 PM

Observer Correspondent

Collected Photo

Poaching and illegal poison fishing in the Sundarbans have decreased significantly due to the seasonal entry ban, regular patrols, and technology-based surveillance, according to the Forest Department.

Officials stated that these measures have created an opportunity to safeguard the forest's flora, fauna, and aquatic biodiversity.

During the ongoing three-month entry ban spanning June, July, and August, no incidents involving deer meat, hides, or dead deer were reported in the Eastern Sundarbans Division. However, forest guards seized various traps set by poachers during this period.

According to statistics from the Forest Department, officials seized 14,381 feet of nylon traps, 110 spring traps, 86 feet of walking traps, and 69 dummy traps. Additionally, two illegal boats and three trawlers were impounded.

In contrast, during the same period last year, 12 individuals were arrested in 20 poaching cases in the Eastern Sundarbans Division. Authorities recovered 156.5 kg of venison, five deer heads, eight legs, two hides, and two dead deer. The absence of reported wildlife poaching during the current ban indicates the success of enhanced surveillance, forest officials noted.

The Forest Department highlighted that along with a decline in deer poaching, poison fishing has also been brought under control. Fishing with poison destroys fingerlings, aquatic life, and the broader food chain. To protect river and canal breeding zones, forest officials also placed barriers across the Bharani canal to prevent illegal fishers from entering.

Considering the importance of the Sundarbans in protecting coastal ecology, fisheries, and natural disasters, civil society members have demanded filling vacant forest guard positions, introducing high-speed patrol boats, expanding drone surveillance, and equipping forest-dependent vessels with GPS tracking. They also called for risk allowances, proper equipment, and rationing facilities for forest guards.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Sundarbans Division in Bagerhat, said that monitoring the vast mangrove area solely through conventional patrols is challenging.

As a result, the department is utilizing foot patrols, boat patrols, smart patrols, and drone technology in remote forest areas. Drones are being deployed to detect suspicious movements, locate poachers' traps, and monitor unauthorized vessel activities in deep forests and waterways.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam emphasized that the Sundarbans is a vital natural heritage, coastal shield, and invaluable resource for future generations. He noted that protecting the forest directly impacts ecological balance, coastal livelihoods, and disaster resilience. The ministry is giving top priority to protecting the country's forest resources.

Concerned stakeholders stated that to sustain the achievements made during the restriction period, intelligence operations, patrols, and technology-driven surveillance must continue even after the entry ban lifts. Continued monitoring will reduce poaching and illegal fishing pressures, allowing the natural ecosystem of the Sundarbans to fully recover.

-AAT/SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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