Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin has said: "Every winter, various species of migratory birds come from distant Siberia and Europe to survive, enriching our nature and biodiversity. Bird killing has fallen as a result of the government's effective steps to conserve these birds. I seek everyone's cooperation to stop bird killing completely."

He was speaking as chief guest at a virtual discussion organised by the Forest Department on Saturday (8 May) to mark World Migratory Bird Day, under the theme "Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird". The minister pledged firm commitment to protecting the habitats of birds, which play a unique role in protecting the ecosystem.

Describing government initiatives, the minister said: "Of about 710 species of birds in Bangladesh, including resident and migratory birds, 650 have been included as protected animals in the schedule of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act. Hunting or killing migratory birds carries up to one year in prison or a fine of up to Tk 1 lakh."

He said Sonadia, Nijhum Dwip, Tanguar Haor, Hakaluki Haor, Hail Haor and Ganguirar Char have been declared East Asian-Australasian Flyway sites to conserve migratory birds. "Bird counts, ringing and, most importantly, GPS satellite tagging are being carried out to research the flyways of migratory waterbirds, providing important data on their migration," he said.

"Regular drives are being conducted across the country to stop illegal bird hunting and trade. Through mobile courts, offenders are caught red-handed and given various prison terms and fines. As a result, such crimes have fallen considerably. Roadside meetings, rallies, discussions and training are being held in the field to make local people aware of migratory bird conservation," he said.

He added: "In the 2020-21 fiscal year, Tk 3 lakh 18 thousand in compensation was paid to families affected by the Asian openbill colony in Bagha upazila of Rajshahi. The government gives reward incentives for conserving wildlife, including birds."

The minister also said: "Manufacture and sale of diclofenac, a drug lethal to the critically endangered vulture, has been banned across the country, and two vulture safe zones have been declared in the Sundarbans and Sylhet. A vulture rescue and care centre has been set up at Singra in Dinajpur to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured vultures. In addition, on 8 February 2021 the cabinet approved a proposal to stop production of ketoprofen, which is harmful to vultures. With the people's cooperation, the government will succeed in conserving wildlife, including birds."

Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury chaired the meeting. Special guests included Deputy Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Begum Habibun Nahar, secretary Ziaul Hasan ndc, Prokriti O Jibon Foundation chairman Mukit Majumder Babu, Bangladesh Bird Club founder Inam Al Haque and Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation president Dr SM Iqbal.

Papers were presented by Forest Department conservator of forests Mihir Kumar Do and ABM Sarowar Alam, senior programme manager of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Speakers called for raising awareness to stop bird hunting.

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