About 50 doves caught with banned China duari nets have been saved from a hunter in Faridpur and released into the open sky.

The birds were freed on the afternoon of Wednesday, 19 August, at Momin Khar Haat in Char Madhabdia union of Sadar upazila.

Local sources said a gang has long been setting banned China duari nets on remote Dholai Char in North Channel union of Faridpur Sadar upazila to catch doves and other wild birds. Because it is a remote char of the Padma, they could hunt freely and sell the birds at nearby markets. On Wednesday afternoon a bird hunter named Masud brought about 60 doves to Momin Khar Haat to sell, and sold several at Tk 100 a pair.

Local journalist Mehedi Sohel noticed and began filming, asking about the hunting and saying he would inform the administration. On learning that the authorities were being told, the hunter released some 50 doves from the cage in front of everyone. Freed, the birds instantly flew off into the open sky over the char.

Faridpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Meshkatul Jannat Rabeya said hunting birds and wildlife is a punishable offence. If concerned citizens identify such hunters and inform the administration, a mobile court will be run quickly and legal action taken. She also said strict action will be taken against those using China duari nets to catch fish and birds.

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