Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today announced the formation of a voluntary network in every district aimed at rescuing and protecting wildlife. ‘A voluntary network will be formed in every district to support the Forest Department so that quick action can be taken in rescuing and protecting wildlife,’ she stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana, who also serves as the adviser of the Ministry of Water Resources, made these remarks during a discussion organized by the Forest Department in the Agargaon area of the capital, commemorating International Freshwater Dolphin Day. She emphasized the significance of dolphins as vital indicators of river health, noting their survival is deeply linked to the well-being of both river ecosystems and human communities.
‘Dolphins are the symbol of our rivers’ health. Where dolphins survive, rivers also survive, and when rivers survive, humans do so,’ Rizwana highlighted. She further explained that addressing dolphin conservation means addressing human survival, as polluted river waters pose threats to both dolphins and humans. The adviser stressed the importance of maintaining clean rivers for the survival of all.
Rizwana criticized the contradiction between polluting rivers while claiming to be civilized, pointing out that an increase in the dolphin population would reflect river protection, while a decline would signal danger. She also mentioned that wildlife protection requires not only legal frameworks but also changes in societal psychology and behavior.
She argued that cruelty towards animals indicates moral decay and urged communities to stand against such acts. Rizwana expressed gratitude to those who are actively working to protect wildlife and emphasized the interconnected welfare of humans and wildlife, asserting that saving animals leads to nature ultimately saving humans.
The event, chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, also featured speeches from Conservator of Forests Md Sanaullah Patwary, Dr Md Jahangir Alam of WCS Bangladesh, Dr Md Ishtiak Sobha of the World Bank, and Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of Sundarbans East Forest Division. A ‘Ganga Dolphin Conservation Handbook’ was unveiled, and an educational exhibition on dolphins was held.