[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment

[Saif]

Take urgent steps to reactivate the river commission

Why has it not been done over the past five months?

www.thedailystar.net

Take urgent steps to reactivate the river commission
Why has it not been done over the past five months?

VISUAL: STAR

It is deeply concerning that the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), the so-called guardian of our rivers, remains virtually nonfunctional even though over five months have passed following the fall of the Awami League government. According to a report by Bonik Barta, the interim government revoked the appointment of its then chairman in early September. Since then, this position has remained vacant, as have other posts in the five-member commission (the tenure of the remaining members ended in August). Moreover, several key office posts including secretary and director also remain unfilled. With only a skeleton staff available to keep the lights on, the commission has virtually become a rudderless ship, totally incapable of fulfilling its mandate to prevent river encroachment and pollution.

This is particularly alarming given how—despite there being a non-political government in place and a well-known environmentalist at the helm of the environment ministry—degradation of rivers continues unchecked. The NRCC is supposed to play a leading role in this fight. Established in 2014 following a High Court ruling that granted rivers the status of "living entities," it is supposed to coordinate with all relevant institutions to guide state efforts against any encroachment or pollution, and bring those responsible to book. Unfortunately, even a fully-staffed NRCC could not live up to that expectation, due partly to its lack of power and independence and partly to the non-cooperation of other agencies.

Despite that, activists warn that the current leadership vacuum has left rivers further vulnerable, and it is already having dire consequences. Over the past five months or so, we have witnessed how new politically connected individuals came into the fray to exploit rivers for their own gain. The unchecked pollution of our waterways is another alarming issue, threatening aquatic ecosystems and public health. Despite these pressing concerns, no effective steps have yet been taken to restore the commission's functionality. We, therefore, urge the government to immediately appoint a competent leadership for the NRCC and ensure it has the authority, independence, and resources necessary to carry out its mandate.​

 

[Saif]

Elephant conservation: Govt allocates funds for response teams

The Elephant Response Team is a group of locals assigned by the forest department to mitigate the escalating human-elephant conflict in the region. There are 130 ERTs working under the forest department in the country at present

www.thedailystar.net

Elephant conservation: Govt allocates funds for response teams

The pre-dawn silence in Hajigaon, a village situated on the green hills of Chattogram's Karnaphuli upazila, is often shattered by the distant rumble of a colossal presence.

It's the sound of elephants, the gentle giants venturing out of the dwindling forests, seeking food and space.

For 46-year-old Mohammed Hashem, this is a call to duty.

He starts his day by patrolling through the dense forests, trying to detect the subtle signs of elephant movements.

Hashem is a member of the Elephant Response Team (ERT), a group of locals assigned by the forest department to mitigate the escalating human-elephant conflict in the region.

There are 130 ERTs working under the forest department in the country at present.

Since 2018, Hashem and his fellows have been on the frontlines, working to safeguard both the elephants and the human communities that share their habitat.

The ERT's main task is to identify elephants before they encroach upon human settlements, gently guiding them back to their natural habitat.

Despite their efforts, Hashem, like his fellow ERT members, has never received any financial support from the government.

All they get is a uniform, pair of shoes and whistle.

"We are working to save elephants from poachers. We also protect residents and their wealth from elephant attacks," Hashem said.

"We face risks, from potential elephant attacks to the dangers of navigating the dense jungle," Hashem adds, "yet we received no financial support from the government," he says.

Without a formal framework or any form of supervision, the teams operated with limited accountability, sometimes leading to unforeseen incidents.

However, this may change soon. The government has recently allocated Tk 45 lakh for 50 ERTs at Anwara and Karnaphuli upazila of Chattogram.

"It will allow us to pay the ERT members, ensuring their commitment and enabling us to hold them accountable for their duties," said Abu Naser Md Yasin Newaz, divisional forest officer.

Imran Ahmed, conservator of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Region, said, "While the initial allocation may not be substantial, it symbolises a significant shift in government policy and paves the way for increased support in the future."

HUMAN-ELEPHANT COEXISTENCE UNDER THREAT

The country has 268 resident critically endangered Asian elephants. Most of them live in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, according to 2016 Forest Department data.

The destruction of habitats, corridors, and food sources is fueling elephant invasions and increasing human-wildlife conflict across the country.

Due to this conflict, 248 people died in elephant attacks between 2013-14 and 2022-23, while poachers killed at least 50 elephants in the last five years, according to the Forest Department.

Wildlife experts urged the government to develop a sustainable solution to reduce the conflict.

Mohammad Abdul Aziz, professor of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University and a member of the Elephant Specialist Group of South Asia, described the recent government allowance as a temporary solution.

He said elephants enter human settlements when they feel disturbed or experience a loss of food sources.

People then attempt to chase them away, which exacerbates the conflict.

"Therefore, we need to conserve elephant habitats, corridors, and their food sources for a sustainable solution," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Bishkhali River: Encroachment, legal dispute delay dredging

The Bangladesh Water Development Board launched the Tk 45 crore project in 2023 to dredge a 24-km stretch between Morrelganj and Kachua upazilas, aiming to resolve water shortages and boost agricultural productivity

www.thedailystar.net

Bishkhali River: Encroachment, legal dispute delay dredging

Photo: Star

Around 25 percent of the dredging work on the Bishkhali River in Bagerhat remains incomplete, despite the project deadline expiring last month, due to illegal encroachments and property disputes.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board launched the Tk 45 crore project in 2023 to dredge a 24-km stretch between Morrelganj and Kachua upazilas, aiming to resolve water shortages and boost agricultural productivity. The project was initially set to be completed by December 2024. However, with approximately 3km still undredged, the deadline has been extended to December 2025.

BWDB officials attributed the delays to illegal structures built on river land and legal disputes in areas such as Ramchandrapur and Sagorkathi.

In Sagorkathi, Abul Bashar claimed ownership of land occupied by a house, cemetery, and mosque. "We are the rightful owners as per SA and BS records. Without compensation or rehabilitation, we cannot allow dredging on our purchased land. We have already filed a court case," he said.

In Ramchandrapur, Marjina Begum said her family had purchased two kathas of land to build a house, unaware it would be reclaimed for river excavation. "We never knew the government would claim this property. Now we are left with nothing," she said.

Abu Raihan Mohammad Al Biruni, BWDB's executive engineer in Bagerhat, said that dredging is proceeding based on the river's CS records.

"Notices and public announcements were issued to illegal occupiers. Legal action will be taken if they do not remove the structures," he said. The BWDB has yet to receive court notice on Bashar's case, he added.

Once a vital waterway, the Bishkhali has suffered heavy siltation from years of neglect, causing severe irrigation water shortages.

Shankar Kumar Majumdar, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bagerhat, said that Aman paddy is currently cultivated on 26,000 hectares in Morrelganj, Kachua, and Sharankhola upazilas, but only 9,000 hectares are used for Boro cultivation due to water scarcity.

"If dredging is completed, around 20,000 hectares of cropland can be cultivated during the Rabi season," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Crocodile fitted with satellite transmitter released in the Sundarbans

The seven-foot-long, 12-year-old crocodile was released in the wild in the presence of officials from the Forest Department.

www.thedailystar.net

Crocodile fitted with satellite transmitter released in the Sundarbans

Photo: Collected

A crocodile fitted with a satellite transmitter was released into the Charaputia canal of the Sundarbans East Forest Division yesterday afternoon.

The seven-foot-long, 12-year-old crocodile was released in the wild in the presence of officials from the Forest Department.

and Sarwar Alam Dipu, manager and project coordinator of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), along with other staff.

Speaking on the occasion, Azad Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre, said, "Through this research, we aim to gather data on the movement patterns, behaviour, and dietary habits of crocodiles. The population of crocodiles in the Sundarbans is steadily declining, and their reproductive capacity is also diminishing.

"This study is expected to contribute significantly to understanding their habits and improving their reproduction rates, ultimately aiding in the conservation of crocodiles in the Sundarbans."

This initiative is part of an ongoing research programme.

Earlier, between March 13 and 16, 2024, four saltwater crocodiles were fitted with satellite transmitters and released at four different locations within the Sundarbans.​

 

[Saif]

DRIVE AT POLYTHENE FACTORY: DoE director hurt in attack

A director of the Department of Environment was injured in an attack by workers during a drive at a Polythene factory at Islambagh in the capital’s Chawkbazar area Sunday afternoon.

www.newagebd.net

DRIVE AT POLYTHENE FACTORY: DoE director hurt in attack
Staff Correspondent 27 January, 2025, 00:06

A director of the Department of Environment was injured in an attack by workers during a drive at a Polythene factory at Islambagh in the capital’s Chawkbazar area Sunday afternoon.

The victim, Md Sawqat Ali, 42, is a deputy secretary and the DoE director for enforcement and monitoring.

He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at about 2:45pm, said DMCH police outpost in-charge Md Faruk.

‘His different parts of the face and nose were affected in the attack. The official left the hospital after taking treatment in the ENT department,’ said Faruk.

Chawkbazar police station officer-in-charge Rezaul Karim said that the incident took place at about 12:30pm.

‘Members of the police and the Rapid Action Battalion were assisting the DoE during the drive. Filing a case in this connection is underway,’ he said.

DoE executive magistrate Rubina Ferdousi who led the drive told reporters at DMCH that they seized goods and sealed off the factory.

‘The factory workers attacked us when we came out of the factory and an official was injured in the attack,’ Rubina said.​

 

[Saif]

The nexus of unplanned urbanization and pollution

Dhaka, the bustling center of Bangladesh, faces severe challenges due to rapid growth. The morning sun struggles to pierce through thick smog, as unregulated development pollutes the air. The Air Quality Index (AQI) often ranks among the worst worldwide, with residents exposed to harmful dust and e

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

The nexus of unplanned urbanization and pollution
Md Abdul Latif and Sabila Binta Saif Sondhi
Published :
Jan 27, 2025 21:44
Updated :
Jan 27, 2025 21:44

Dhaka, the bustling center of Bangladesh, faces severe challenges due to rapid growth. The morning sun struggles to pierce through thick smog, as unregulated development pollutes the air. The Air Quality Index (AQI) often ranks among the worst worldwide, with residents exposed to harmful dust and emissions. On January 4, 2025, reports indicated Dhaka's AQI reached 493, far beyond the hazardous level of 301, highlighting an urgent environmental crisis. Despite its rise as a megacity, pollution remains a critical issue. Rapid urbanization has led to economic growth but has also caused significant environmental harm. Once-promising streets are now overwhelmed by traffic and waste, indicating a city at a crucial juncture. This underscores failures in urban planning and governance. This op-ed examines the link between Dhaka's growth and its environmental issues, calling for a reevaluation of urban strategies to safeguard residents' health and future.

The rapid growth of Dhaka mirrors its economic aspirations. With over 22 million residents, Bangladesh's capital has experienced remarkable urbanization. As of 2023, the urbanization rate of the country has been reported as 40.47 per cent of which, majority of the population resides in Dhaka city. Research mentioned that averaging an annual growth rate, the capital city grew by 8 per cent from 1991 to 2019. During this time, the outskirts expanded by 43 per cent, with built-up areas increasing by 234 km², while the city itself grew by about 116 km². Migration drives this urban expansion, as people from rural areas flock to the city for jobs, education, and better living standards. Dhaka serves as the epicenter for economic, educational, healthcare, and urban services in Bangladesh, housing numerous tertiary institutions and a thriving garment industry among the largest globally. The promise of employment in factories, service sectors, and informal economies draws millions of rural migrants seeking improved livelihoods.

Dhaka's rapid urbanization has been alarmingly swift, yet it lacks effective urban planning, comprehensive strategies, and proper infrastructure development. The city's growth has been largely reactive, resulting in chaotic expansion with minimal public input and disregard for long-term sustainability and the diverse needs of its population. This has led to numerous informal settlements where millions lack secure tenure and basic services. The absence of clear zoning regulations has caused overlapping residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

Dhaka has undergone rapid and unplanned growth, leading to chaotic spatial expansion and significant socio-spatial divisions. This unregulated development has resulted in high-density urban living, straining housing and urban services. Low-lying areas designated for flood retention have been filled by land developers, increasing the city's vulnerability to flooding. The consequences of unplanned urbanization have culminated in a severe pollution crisis, threatening the health and well-being of residents and undermining environmental sustainability.

The construction sector is the primary contributor to Dhaka's pollution, accounting for 30 of the total. During winter, construction activities intensify, exacerbating air quality deterioration and raising the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Poor regulation allows construction sites to release significant dust, while outdated brick kilns emit harmful particulate matter.

The industrial sector is another major contributor to air pollution in Dhaka, responsible for 29 per cent of emissions. As the city experiences economic growth, its burgeoning industries, particularly brick kilns, produce billions of bricks annually to meet rising demand.

The surge in population has also led to a dramatic increase in the number of vehicles, resulting in higher CO2 emissions and deteriorating air quality. From diesel-spewing buses to gas-guzzling private cars, the exhaust from these vehicles releases harmful substances like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) into the atmosphere. The vehicular sector contributes 15 per cent to the city's air pollution. In many areas being rapidly urbanized areas, underdeveloped or nonexistent public transportation systems force residents to rely on personal vehicles, further exacerbating emissions. The lack of efficient public transport options discourages walking or cycling, compounding the pollution issue.

The consequences of poor urban planning are evident in the severe traffic congestion that plagues the city. Vehicles often sit idle for extended periods, increasing emissions and prolonging travel times. This not only diminishes productivity but also intensifies the overall pollution problem, creating a cycle that jeopardizes the quality of life for Dhaka's inhabitants.

Unplanned growth has led to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources, resulting in a significant decline in piezometric levels and threatening the sustainability of water resources in the city. Additionally, unprecedented expansion frequently overwhelms existing waste management systems. Inadequate infrastructure for waste collection, treatment and disposal leads to littering and illegal dumping, contributing to land and water pollution. Decomposing waste emits harmful gases, such as methane, further impacting air quality.

Air pollution in Dhaka is not merely an environmental issue; it is a public health catastrophe. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) alone is responsible for thousands of premature deaths annually in Bangladesh. The World Bank estimates that air pollution cost Bangladesh nearly 3.9-4.4 per cent of its GDP in the year 2019, with Dhaka bearing a significant share of this loss. Unplanned urbanization has resulted in environmental conditions that pose serious health risks, such as air pollution, poor water and sanitation, and overcrowding. These issues lead to respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses, increasing health risks for residents and burdening healthcare systems, which diminishes overall quality of life. Additionally, factors like poverty and limited access to healthcare worsen this decline. Socioeconomic determinants, including income inequality and insufficient healthcare resources, further amplify the health risks faced by urban populations.

The nexus of unplanned urbanization and pollution in Dhaka demonstrates how short-term gains create long-term challenges. The cycle of pollution is exacerbated by traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and poor waste management. To resolve these issues, comprehensive planning is essential. Dhaka requires policies that prioritize decentralization over mere growth. A cohesive national and local policy, supported by an active city government, is crucial for addressing the city's multifaceted crisis. Effective strategies should improve urban planning, infrastructure, and governance to mitigate health risks associated with pollution and urbanization. Furthermore, addressing socioeconomic disparities and ensuring equitable healthcare access are critical. Urban planning should embrace diversity and inclusivity to create cohesive, affordable neighborhoods.

In summary, a comprehensive and inclusive approach to urban planning is vital for transforming Dhaka into a resilient city that prioritizes the health and well-being of its citizens while tackling the challenges of rapid urbanization and pollution.

Dr. Md. Abdul Latif, additional director of Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM) and Ms. Sabila Binta Saif Sondhi is research associate at BIGM​

 

[Saif]

Rethinking anti-polythene drive

A director of the Department of Environment (DoE) was reportedly seriously injured in an attack allegedly by the workers from an illegal polythene factory in the Chowkbazar area of Old Dhaka on Sunday (January 26). The said DoE official along with others was returning after carrying out a raid, rep

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Rethinking anti-polythene drive
SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
Jan 27, 2025 21:18
Updated :
Jan 27, 2025 21:21

A director of the Department of Environment (DoE) was reportedly seriously injured in an attack allegedly by the workers from an illegal polythene factory in the Chowkbazar area of Old Dhaka on Sunday (January 26). The said DoE official along with others was returning after carrying out a raid, reportedly, led by a deputy secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on the polythene factory in question. The first question that comes to mind is what the police force accompanying the MoEFCC's enforcement team was doing when the violence took place so that the attackers could get away with looting, as reported, a truck laden with confiscated materials from the polythene factory that was sealed by law enforcers? Obviously, the attack was reprehensible and against the law since the DoE officials were carrying out a government order as part of the nationwide campaign against production, marketing and use of polythene that started on November 3 last year. Notably, the ban on the use, production, marketing and transportation of polythene bags was first imposed in 2002 in exercise of the Environmental Conservation Act, 1995. And there are provisions of stringent penal measures including prison term and fine for production and marketing of polythene. Sadly, the ban soon lost its efficacy and within just four years, the use of polythene again started in 2006. It hardly needs explaining that just enunciation of a law is not enough for its implementation however harsh it may be in its wording. Two issues have dogged the law against polythene from the outset. And those have to do with the economy of polythene and the lack of alternative products to replace polythene such as in the form of bags and various packaging materials. The economy of polythene is huge as according to the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers Association, there are 6,000 industrial units in this sector that employ some 500,000 workers. For encouraging the use of jute bags and other jute products as an alternative to polythene, a law was enacted in 2010. But the production of bags and other packaging materials with jute was neither adequate to meet the demand, nor was it cost-effective.

The cabinet division, for instance, on September 5 last year, instructed all government offices to stop the use of single-use plastics and introduce environment-friendly alternatives instead. Later, from October 1 last year, the government banned the use of polythene and polypropylene shopping bags in all superstores. The government order did indeed stimulate production of eco-friendly bags from jute and other biodegradable materials by some small-scale business units. But they could not produce enough bags to meet the demand of the superstores. Worse yet, those business units are facing shortage of fabrics to make bags and at the same time, the prices of jute and cotton fabrics have shot up suddenly. As a result, the production costs of these biodegradable cotton bags increased rendering them less cost-effective. In that case, what alternatives are there before the major consumers of bags and packaging materials to replace plastics such as polythene? The manufacturers of the banned polythene bags, on their part, also use a similar logic to justify themselves saying that since there is demand for single-use poly bags, they are meeting the market demand knowing full well that they are violating law.

So, one should not be surprised by the fact that a large number of unlicensed small-scale factories are producing polythene and other plastic items in the Chowkbazar, Debidas lane of Old Dhaka, Churihatta, Lalbagh and Kamrangir Char areas of the city. Even the DoE knows it, said a report.

Do not these facts militate against the success of the anti-polythene drive that began more than two decades ago?

In that case, should one be surprised by Sunday's attack on an enforcement team of DoE?​

 

[Saif]

Sundarbans, the protector, threatened by poison

Adding to this is the exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. Today, the Sundarbans itself is in danger due to these combined threats

en.prothomalo.com

Sundarbans, the protector, threatened by poison
Today, the Sundarbans itself is in danger due to these combined threats. Read the Prothom Alo investigation report
Emtiaz Uddin
Koyra, Khulna
Published: 28 Jan 2025, 19: 41

Unscrupulous fishermen are setting up small net traps across the creeks from one end to the other in the Sundarbans. As the tide recedes during low tide, they pour pesticides into the creeks, killing the fish. This is happening in a wildlife sanctuary in the western part of the Sundarbans. Prothom Alo

The Sundarbans is facing severe cyclones one after another caused by climate change. However, it is not just storms and tidal surges causing harm. Rising salinity and temperature, along with new diseases and pests, are damaging the country’s greatest protector. Adding to this is the exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. Today, the Sundarbans itself is in danger due to these combined threats.

According to an investigation by Prothom Alo, the greatest danger in the Sundarbans at the moment is the competition among fishermen to catch fish using poison. At least three powerful quarters are behind this illegal activity. One group includes fish traders, known as "company mahajans," who control certain fishermen and encourage them to use poison to quickly catch large quantities of fish. Another group is comprised of corrupt forest guards who take bribes from these traders, allowing them to poison the rivers and canals in wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, forest pirates have also joined in, working with these groups. Some journalists are reportedly assisting them.

The officer-in-charge of the Hadda patrol station in the Sundarbans, Sabit Mahmud, said, "When he meets fishermen in the forest, many of them refer to their "mahajan", a journalist. I recently heard about a journalist from the Koyra upazila, who became a millionaire by being involved in the illegal business of catching fish fry in the Sundarbans."

A forest officer said that many people identifying themselves as journalists take allowances from forest stations every month. This practice has been going on for years.

In 2018, many forest pirates who had surrendered became inactive, but with the support of dishonest fish traders, they have now returned to the Sundarbans. These pirates offer protection to the fishermen working for the company mahajans, while robbing others. This has led to a significant increase in poisoning and fishing activities in the Sundarbans.

Govinda Mandal, a fisherman from the northern Bedkashi area of Koyra, has been fishing in the Sundarbans' rivers and canals for the past 55 years. He told Prothom Alo, "There was no tradition to use poison for fishing in the past. There were plenty of fish at that time. But for the past five to six years, poison has been entering the forest, and now, there are fewer fish, and even the birds are not available."

A bottle of pesticide is lying on the banks of the canal. Recently, this was seen in the Petkatar canal area near the Koyra River in the Sundarbans. Prothom Alo

Sundarbans turns blue in poison

In favour of a private organisation, Md Shah Paran works on a project related to the “Assessment of the Aquatic Resources of the Sundarbans”

He told Prothom Alo, “For eight months, I’ve been visiting the fish markets near the Sundarbans in Koyra every day, counting the fish species. However, most of the fish brought to the market are caught using poison. The smell of poison is especially strong in shrimp. Locals don’t eat the fish from the Sundarbans. The poisonous fish are all transported by truck to Dhaka and other districts of the country.”

The Forest Conservator of the Khulna region, Mihir Kumar Doe said, “At various times, we have seized bottles of poison or poisoned fish from dishonest fishermen in the Sundarbans. We’ve found that most of the poison is used to kill pests on vegetables and plants. Fishermen use two types of poison: one for white fish and another for shrimp. Some poisons, when mixed with water, create an oxygen deficiency, causing the fish to weaken and die. If birds eat the dead fish or crabs, they can also die. Consuming such fish would certainly harm the human body.”

Shrimp caught with poison are turned into dried fish at this factory. They are then sent to Dhaka and other parts of the country. Recently, this was seen in the village of Deyara, near the Sundarbans in Koyra, Khulna. Prothom Alo

Following the Forest Conservator’s remarks, several pesticide-selling shops in the Koyra area near the Sundarbans were visited. A variety of pesticides were being sold in large quantities. Some people, who don’t even own a piece of land for cultivation, were seen buying pesticides. One seller revealed that fishermen from the Sundarbans often buy pesticides like Diamgro, Fighter, Ripcord, and Pesicol, claiming they use them on plants or vegetables. Discussions with local sources revealed that poisons containing chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin kill both white fish and shrimp. On the other hand, poison containing only cypermethrin kills only shrimp.

Prothom Alo spoke with several individuals who had served jail term for fishing with poison. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one fisherman at the South Bedkashi area of Koyra, said, “I started using poison to catch a lot of fish in a short period a few years ago. When the tidal waters fill the canals in the forest, we set traps at both ends with small nets. Then, when the tide recedes, we pour pesticides like Nitro and Ripcord into the traps. The fish surface within a few minutes.”

The fishermen also mentioned that, at times, it becomes difficult to bring poisoned shrimp to the local markets. In such cases, they dry the shrimp in the forest itself. They cut trees deep inside the forest to make temporary platforms, where they set fire to pieces of wood underneath and dry the shrimp. The dried shrimp are then tactfully sent to Mongla.

Gaurang Nandi, Chairman of the Center for Environment and Participatory Research (CEPR), said that the use of poison in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans is causing significant damage not only to aquatic life but also to the mangrove forest.

He said, “The types of poison fishermen spray in the Sundarbans are mainly used for pest control on fruits and crops. This toxic water is absorbed by the trees through their roots, leading to harmful effects on them. Consuming these poisoned fish is also causing long-term health issues in humans, including cancer.” He stressed the need for specific research on the matter.

Collusion between companies and forest officials

Md Jahangir Sardar, a resident of Koyra village near the Sundarbans, is one of the fishermen who secretly enter the sanctuary by bribing forest officials under the guise of having legal permission. He told Prothom Alo, “I’ve been fishing in the forest since childhood. But the bribe required by the Forest Department keeps increasing. A few years ago, they used to take Tk 1,000 for every seven days, but now it’s Tk 5,000 per boat. Through middlemen, we pay bribes to forest rangers to enter the protected areas and catch fish to cover the cost.”

The Sundarbans, covering an area of 6,017 square kilometers in Bangladesh, has nearly 3,200 square kilometers designated as a sanctuary.

Forest Conservator at the Khulna region, Mihir Kumar Doe said that more than half of the Sundarbans' sanctuary areas are completely off-limits to fishermen.

However, local fishermen, honey collectors, and community leaders revealed that illegal fishing with poison occurs throughout the year across the forest, especially in the sanctuary areas where more fish are found. The fishing spots are controlled by the company middlemen.

There are allegations that if any fisherman attempts to fish in the sanctuary areas without being part of this syndicate, forest department officials will have them arrested. To fish with poison without interference, a fisherman must be listed with a company middleman. This has become an unwritten rule in the areas surrounding the Sundarbans.

Local fishermen from Koyra, Paikgachha, and Dakop upazilas said that about 25 to 30 businessmen secretly collaborate with forest officials to catch fish and crabs year-round. Some of the well-known company middlemen include Zulfiqar Ali, Lutfor Rahman, Rezaul Karim, Saheb Ali, Amirul Islam, Nur Hossain, Habibullah, Abu Musa, Majed, Kamrul, Mintu, Halim, Rajab Ali, Bashar, Masum, Mofizul, Mozafar, Abdul Khalek, Zahir Member, Ashraful Islam, Shahazul, and Riyasad Ali.

Abu Musa, a company middleman, acknowledged his involvement in sending fishermen to the sanctuary to carry on the illegal trade. However, he suggested that to stop the use of poison in the forest, the sanctuary areas should be divided among the middlemen. He explained that one middleman’s area should not allow others to enter. Forest officials transfer responsibility from one person to another as soon as they receive a larger bribe. After catching fish for one cycle, since there is uncertainty about being able to fish again, the middlemen give the fishermen poison to use.

When asked about which companies’ middlemen fish in the restricted areas of the Sundarbans, Abu Musa said, “The largest middlemen in the Sundarbans are Zahir Member and Babul from the Dakop area. They control 200 to 250 boats in the sanctuary. Zahir pays Tk 13,000 per boat to the forest officials to catch fish and crabs in the restricted areas like Neelkamal, Patkosta, and Bhomorkhali. My boats, which number 8-10, operate in Bhomorkhali, and we pay Tk 10,000 per boat to the forest officials. Other middlemen like Kamrul, Mozaffar, Jamal Mondol, Tutul, and Mustafiz are also involved.”

Abu Musa added, “The wealthiest businessman in Koyra is Riyasad Ali, who has the best connections with the forest officials. Without him, it’s impossible to enter the restricted areas with boats.”

When the names of these businessmen were mentioned, a responsible forest official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo, “We know all these businessmen. However, it is difficult to catch them red-handed inside the Sundarbans. We also face staff shortages and many limitations.”

Smell of poison in the fish market

June, July, and August are the breeding seasons for wildlife and fish in the Sundarbans. During this period, the forest department imposes restrictions on fishing in the rivers and canals of the forest, as well as on tourists entering the forest. However, this year, during the closed season, illegal activities such as poisoning fish and hunting deer in the Sundarbans have significantly increased compared to other times, according to residents living near the Sundarbans.

An investigation into this began on 12 July last year. At that time, entry for fishermen in the Sundarbans was strictly prohibited. But on that very day, it was heard in the village of Gariyabari in Koyra that a local man named Bhobachandra Das had been taken away by a tiger in the forest. On 20 July, Bhobachandra’s nephew, Tapas Das, reported that 11 other people were hunting crabs deep in the forest area of Bhomorkhali with his uncle.

The Bhomorkhali area falls under the jurisdiction of the forest department's Nalian Forest Station. When the forest officer, Tanzilur Rahman, was contacted about the issue, he promised to conduct a swift raid in the area. However, shortly after, an unknown person called and warned, “You asked the forest officer to raid Bhomorkhali. This is not a good development.” It became clear that illegal activities were happening with the cooperation of the forest officers.

The businessmen mentioned, we know all of them. But it is difficult to catch them red-handed inside the Sundarbans. Besides, we face a shortage of manpower and many other limitations.

A responsible forest officer on condition of anonymity

Regarding entry into the forest during the closed season, fisherman Akbarul Islam from Koyra said, “If the forest department doesn't want it, the fishermen wouldn't even be able to touch the water of a canal in the Sundarbans. I had to bribe a forest officer just to collect honey."

In the morning on 13 July, a visit to the fish market in Doulia Bazar of Koyra confirmed Akbarul’s statement. The market had not opened yet, but fish from nearby enclosures had already arrived, along with crabs from the Sundarbans. Within half an hour, the market became filled with fish and people. Shrimp, betki, jaba, sillet, payra, datina, and many other types of fish were arriving. Several fish traders, sitting in a tea shop, mentioned that most of the fish were caught illegally in the Sundarbans using poison and illegal nets.

At the market, several trucks were seen standing. The drivers said that they would be taking the fish from the market to Dhaka. At the crab market, there was also hustle and bustle. Bags filled with crabs from the Sundarbans were being measured and tied. This was happening during the period when entry into the forest was prohibited.

Fisherman Mobarak Hossain from Maheshwaripur said, “Even though the government announced the season closed for three months, illegal fishing with poison has continued through secret agreement with forest officers. For catching fish with small nets, they charged Tk 800; for deer hunting Tk 5,000; for catching fish with poison in a 'vesali' net Tk 3,000; and for hunting crabs, forest guards have been taking Tk 3,000 per day for four consecutive days.”

At 9:30am, a shrimp-laden van left the Doulia Bazaar fish market. The reporter, carefully following the van, saw it stop at the side of the road near the village of Deyara in Maharajpur union, Koyra. Several people took the shrimp from the van to a two-room house some distance from the main road. Inside the house, a few hundred kilograms of shrimp were spread on bamboo platforms, emitting a strong smell of poison. Nearby, piles of red dried fish were stacked, and smoke was rising from pieces of wood below the platforms.

When asked who owned the factory, an elderly woman introduced herself as Sofia Begum, a worker there. She said this land belongs to Mukul Gazi from Maharajpur area. He is given Tk 3,000 as rent monthly. She also revealed that the factory was run by Jalal Sheikh from Maheshwaripur, and Noor Box Gazi in Maharajpur supplies the shrimp caught with poison. The factory had been operating for three years, and 245 kg of shrimp had been brought that day. Sofia mentioned that each kg of dried fish was sold for Tk 1,400, and traders took it to various places, including Dhaka.

In a nearby house, dried shrimp were laid out on bamboo racks, and a strong, pungent odor was in the air. The room had an odd smell from the poison used on the shrimp, and freshly made dried fish was stacked nearby.

Unraveling the mystery of the arrest

When questioned about the inaction of the forest department and their alleged collusion with criminals, a forest officer at the Kashiabad Forest Station in Koyra, Nirmal Mondal, said: “The local panel chairman Lutfor, businessman Amirul, Jamal, and others have come to me at least three times asking me to allow their fishing boats into the forest during the closed season. They also made underhand proposals, but I refused. The allegations against me are not true.”

According to forest-dependent fishermen, forest officers do not take money directly from them. Instead, they receive payments through middlemen, called “company traders.” When fishermen are caught or fined, these traders pay the fines on their behalf, and later, the money is deducted from the fishermen’s earnings.

Recently, six fishermen from Koyra were arrested for fishing with two boats in the Bhomorkhali area. One of the detained fishermen's uncle, Jahid Hossain, told Prothom Alo that earlier, there was an outstanding payment of Tk 10,000 for these two boats from a previous agreement with the forest department. Since they didn't pay, the fishermen were tactfully arrested, and cases were filed against them.

Another detained fisherman Mithun Sarder's relative Mustafa Hossain said that the arrested fishermen had told them that their two boats contained about 200 kg of white fish and 60-70 kg of shrimp. The forest guards took all the fish, and after holding the fishermen for two days, they couldn't pay the fine, so the authorities planted poison bottles on them and sent them to court.

A fish trader from Palli Mangal village in Koyra, Mostafizur Rahman, mentioned, “We lease canals in the Sundarbans from the forest guards, but problems arise when big businessmen pay higher amounts to push out smaller traders. In such incidents, cases are filed against us.”

When asked, Abdul Hakim, the officer-in-charge of the Bhomorkhali Patrol Camp, said, “We don’t allow fishing with poison, so the fishermen falsely accuse the forest guards. We only follow orders from senior officers.”

Since the government change on 5 August, many things have shifted in the Sundarbans. The Assistant Forest Conservator of the Khulna Range, AZM Hasanur Rahman, was appointed as the Divisional Officer of the Sundarbans West Forest Division.

When asked, he said, "Forest guards have no connection with crimes related to forest resources and claimed that fabricated complaints were made by people who could not get illegal advantages."

Return of the forest bandits

Since 5 August, one of the most alarming changes in the Sundarbans has been the resurgence of forest bandits. According to forest dwellers, some unscrupulous fish and crab traders are fueling the activities of the bandits.

These traders are controlling canals in the protected areas of the Sundarbans and are sending the bandits into the forest to catch fish using poison. While the bandits hold ordinary fishermen hostage, they do not harass those fishermen who work under the influential traders.

Fishermen say that many groups that had surrendered in 2018 have returned to banditry in the Sundarbans. In particular, the activities of the Majnu group, Sharif group, Dayal group, Rabiul group, Abdullah group, Manjur group, and Masum Billah group have increased in the western Sundarbans. These bandit groups have reportedly connection with the poison-fishing syndicates.

Forest dwellers claim that some unscrupulous fish and crab traders are behind the bandits. They are controlling the canals in the restricted areas of the Sundarbans and using the bandits to fish with poison. While the bandits hold ordinary fishermen hostage, they do not bother the fishermen working under the traders.

Several fishermen from the Goryabari of Koyra, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo that fish and crab traders from the Dacope and Koyra regions are sending fishermen into the restricted areas to catch fish and crabs. There is a rivalry between the traders from these two areas over control of the territory. The bandit group close to the traders in Dacope is the Mama-Bhagne group, while the group in Koyra is the Rabiul group.

In the past month, several fishermen from Koyra have paid ransom to be freed from the bandits' captivity. Among them, fishermen like Saleman Molla, Nazrul Gazi, Sushanto Rapton, and Imamuddin shared that they had to pay at least Tk 20,000 to secure their release. Each bandit group consists of 10-12 members, all of whom are armed. They hunt deer to meet their food demands daily.

On 6 January, Rajab Ali, a fisherman from village No. 6 in Koyra, returned to his area after being freed from the bandits. He shared that he was held hostage for two days before being released by the bandits, who left his younger brother, Riazul Islam, behind.

Rajab Ali further mentioned, "The bandits are overseeing the fishermen controlled by the traders who spread poison to catch fish. Whenever they find a network inside the forest, they contact the traders by phone."

Imdadul Haque, the OC of Koyra police station, stated, “Since the political change, I’ve heard that notorious criminals who escaped from the Satkhira jail, as well as bandits who had surrendered six years ago, have returned to banditry. We are looking into the old forest bandits. If anyone tries to instill fear in the Sundarbans, they will be dealt with firmly."

*This report, originally published in Prothom Alo print and online editions, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam.​