Numerous migratory birds have been electrocuted on a high-mast light post at the cargo yard terminal of Benapole land port in Jashore. Engineers have been accused of negligence and faulty design over the deaths.

On Sunday morning (18 January), when the lock of the power connection box beneath the lamp post in the yard was opened, about 30 dead birds were found inside.

Witnesses said the birds may be swallows (ababil). At night, because of the strong light and the cold, the birds took shelter in the hollow part of the high-mast light post. But because the post had exposed and poorly protected electrical connections, the birds were electrocuted and died one after another.

Locals allege that the deaths were no accident but clearly the result of engineers' mistakes. Under the rules, high-mast lights must have protected covers on power lines, insulation and a wildlife-safe design, they say, and it was because these were not followed that such a heartbreaking incident occurred.

People concerned with the environment say wildlife protection has been completely ignored at an important facility such as the Benapole cargo yard terminal. The negligence of the engineers responsible is repeatedly putting wildlife at risk, they say, and the engineers concerned cannot escape responsibility.

When asked, Benapole land port director Shamim Hossain Reza appeared to treat the matter as unimportant. He said he had heard about it a few days ago and would write to Dhaka about it on Monday.

The incident has caused anger among local people.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.