Staff Correspondent

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo has reiterated the government's firm commitment to conserving the Royal Bengal Tiger and its natural habitat in the Sundarbans.

The minister made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a discussion meeting organized in the capital to mark Global Tiger Day 2026, observed under the theme "Sabai Hoi Sacheton, Bagh Kori Sangrakhon" (Let's Be Aware, Let's Conserve Tigers).

Describing the tiger as the national animal and the natural guardian of the Sundarbans, the environment minister noted that as a keystone species, it plays a vital role in maintaining the forest's food chain and ecological balance. Conserving tigers, he added, is intrinsically linked to protecting the entire ecosystem, wildlife, floral resources, and breeding grounds of the mangrove forest.

Minister Mintoo highlighted that the government recently formed a 10-member commission to safeguard wildlife habitats and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The commission is tasked with taking effective steps to increase the Bengal tiger population, reclaiming illegally occupied forest land, and raising awareness among communities living adjacent to the forest.

Pointing to positive population trends, the minister noted that concerted efforts by the government, the Forest Department, and local communities have led to a steady increase in tiger numbers. Camera-trapping surveys recorded 106 tigers in 2015, 114 in 2018, and 125 in 2024. He also praised the crucial role played by Village Tiger Response Teams (VTRTs), Community Patrol Groups (CPGs), and forest-dependent communities.

Warning against wildlife crimes, Mintoo stated that the government maintains a "zero-tolerance" policy regarding the trafficking of tigers and tiger parts. Wildlife Crime Control Units and Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Divisions will be further empowered, with financial rewards ranging from BDT 25,000 to BDT 50,000 introduced for informants reporting tiger-related crimes.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, speaking as the special guest, said tigers symbolize national heritage and courage. He noted that protected areas within the Sundarbans have been expanded, with 80 ponds excavated to secure fresh water sources for tigers and 20 mounds constructed for their rest.

Acting Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Fahmida Khanam stressed the need to regulate tourism in the Sundarbans to foster sustainable habitats and protect the forest's food chain.

The event was presided over by Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury. Keynote presentations were delivered by Jahangirnagar University Zoology Prof Dr. M.A. Aziz and Khulna Region Conservator of Forests Imran Ahmed. Other prominent speakers included WildTeam Chief Executive Dr. Md. Anwarul Islam and IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative Bipasha Shaha Hossain, alongside senior ministry officials and media representatives.