Narsingdi:For nearly 150 years, hundreds of monkeys have been an integral part of life in Rampur village, located in the Monohardi upazila of Narsingdi. Their playful antics on tree branches, rooftops, and roadside areas have become a characteristic feature of the rural landscape.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the shrinking forests and decreasing natural food sources are threatening this unique human-animal coexistence. The monkeys are increasingly venturing into homes, shops, and farmlands in search of food, raising challenges for the villagers.
Despite the nuisance caused by the monkeys, villagers are reluctant to drive them away. They view the monkeys as a living legacy that has been part of their community's identity and cultural heritage for generations. In Rampur, monkeys are a common sight as they swing from trees, gather on shop roofs, and roam along roadsides, often rushing towards people at the sight of food like puffed rice, biscuits, bananas, or cakes.
The relationship between the villagers and the monkeys is becoming more difficult as the animals' traditional food sources continue to vanish. The monkeys, once reliant on fruits and other natural resources in nearby forests, are now invading mango, jackfruit, lychee, and banana orchards, along with sugarcane fields, vegetable gardens, and betel leaf plantations. Factors such as indiscriminate tree felling, expanding settlements, and the conversion of forestland into agricultural areas have gradually reduced both their habitat and food supply.
Local resident Shanta Banik noted that the monkeys used to survive mainly on fruits from the surrounding forests. However, as these resources have diminished, the monkeys have become more aggressive, sometimes attacking collectively if anyone tries to drive them away.
The monkeys' presence in Rampur is linked to a local legend involving a tahsildar who left behind a pet monkey, which later led to the growth of the current monkey population. The Siddheshwari Temple is another popular gathering spot for them.
Imran Mahmud, a local resident, mentioned that Rampur used to attract visitors from distant areas who came specifically to watch and feed the monkeys. However, with the decline in visitor numbers and natural food sources, local residents and shopkeepers now bear much of the responsibility for feeding the animals.
The monkeys' growing dependence on human settlements has become a source of frustration for local traders, such as grocery shop owner Jasim Uddin, who reported frequent incursions by the animals into shops. Households face similar issues, as residents cannot leave food unattended.
Despite these difficulties, locals believe that conservation, rather than confrontation, is the solution. Mahbubur Rahman, the former chairman of Khidirpur Union Parishad, suggested establishing a safe habitat for the monkeys on government-owned land to reduce their dependence on human settlements.
Md. Sajib Mia, the administrator of Khidirpur Union Parishad, acknowledged the decline in the monkey population due to shrinking forest areas. He expressed his intention to discuss potential measures with higher authorities to address the issue.
Monohardi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mahmudul Hasan also recognized the lack of government funding for the monkeys' food supply and mentioned plans to consult local representatives to explore sustainable solutions.
Villagers hope for a coordinated conservation initiative from the government to ensure a protected habitat and sustainable food supply for the monkeys. They believe such measures could alleviate pressure on local households and businesses while preserving Rampur's natural and cultural heritage.