Dhaka:Egrets, which had become a rare sight along the Buriganga River in recent years, are once again appearing in noticeable numbers at Sadarghat and other parts of the river in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, these birds, once commonly spotted along the riverbanks and on floating water hyacinths, had gradually become less visible over the years. Recently, however, flocks of egrets have been seen resting on water hyacinths at different points along the river.
Local residents have observed that the birds are now more visible than in previous years. Apu Das, a resident of Laxmibazar, noted that egrets had rarely been seen along the Buriganga for a long time, but their presence has become more noticeable recently. Photographer Fahad Al Alam, a resident of Mohammadpur, also spotted the birds while visiting Sadarghat to take photographs, emphasizing that their recent increased presence had again drawn attention.
Egrets generally inhabit rivers, canals, wetlands, and other water bodies, feeding mainly on fish, small aquatic animals, frogs, and insects. Despite years of pollution posing serious challenges to the Buriganga's natural environment and biodiversity, the renewed presence of these birds has highlighted the importance of protecting the river and its wildlife.
Environmentalists emphasize the need to control river pollution, prevent waste dumping, and ensure safe habitats for aquatic animals and birds to preserve the river's biodiversity.