Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the importance of updating Bangladesh’s red list of fauna with the objective of gradually increasing the number of species classified as endangered. She highlighted this goal while addressing an inception workshop titled “Updating the Existing Red List of Fauna and Other Activities”, held at a city hotel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop was conducted under the initiative “Updating the Red List of Fauna of Bangladesh”, implemented by the Forest Department with technical backing from International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Bangladesh. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed and Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber participated as special guests, with Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury presiding over the event.
Syeda Rizwana emphasized that establishing a wildlife conservation wing is a step forward, but it is not enough on its own. She urged the public to actively participate in protecting and restoring natural habitats through integrated and strategic conservation efforts.
The workshop, attended by policymakers, scientists, researchers, and academics, featured in-depth technical discussions across nine taxonomic groups. Participants focused on the scope, methodology, coordination framework, and timeline for Red List assessments. Based on a national assessment conducted in 2015, approximately 2,200 animal species will be evaluated and re-evaluated for their conservation status as part of this initiative.