Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today announced that the government has launched initiatives to reintroduce extinct species into their natural environments as part of its broader strategy for wildlife conservation. Efforts are already underway to reintroduce peacocks, with some released in safari parks, and plans are in place to reintegrate them into their natural habitats.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana outlined additional measures, including a nature-friendly afforestation project covering 150 acres in the Madhupur Sal Forest. These remarks were made during her keynote address at a discussion held at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon, in observance of World Wildlife Day 2025. The theme for this year was "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet."
Rizwana emphasized that while Bangladesh's biodiversity is a national treasure, it faces significant threats. She announced a key development: the Finance Ministry's approval of 360 new positions within the Forest Department to bolster efforts in forest and wildlife conservation.
Regarding forest fires in the Sundarbans, Rizwana called for more effective preventative measures and stressed the importance of raising public awareness to protect forests and wildlife. She advocated for improved living conditions for zoo animals, restructuring safari parks to offer freer environments, and enhancing veterinary services through collaborations with international experts.
An upcoming project to establish elephant corridors is set to commence next month, facilitating the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Rizwana noted the successful rescue of numerous fishing cats this year and celebrated the inaugural observance of "Fishing Cat Day" in Bangladesh.
Public awareness campaigns, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioners, are ongoing, with a focus on collective efforts to not only reintroduce wildlife but also ensure their secure habitats. Public awareness and participation, Rizwana emphasized, are crucial drivers of conservation efforts.
The meeting, presided over by Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, featured contributions from key figures like Additional Secretary Md Khairul Hasan and Dr Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, a Wildlife Specialist and Former Principal Wildlife Specialist at Dubai Safari Park. Presentations were also delivered by experts including Dr Mohammad Firoz Zaman, Dr Md Jahangir Alam, Imran Ahmed, Md. Sanaullah Patwary, and ABM Sarwar Alam.
During the event, Adviser Rizwana distributed awards to winners of the "Know Your Wildlife" and "Wildlife Photography" competitions, underscoring the importance of public engagement in wildlife conservation initiatives.