Sundarbans: The two-month-long honey collection season in the Sundarbans is set to begin tomorrow, with the Forest Department setting a target of collecting 1,100 quintals of honey this year. Alongside honey, a target of 600 quintals of beeswax has also been set for the season, which will continue until June.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 854.5 quintals of honey and 275.5 quintals of beeswax were collected in the 2024-25 seasons. During that period, 1,709 honey collectors, locally known as Mouals, entered the forest under 248 permits. As in previous years, Mouals will enter the forest in groups with official permits to collect honey. However, many have expressed concern over increased activities of forest bandits, including incidents of extortion, abduction, and harassment.
Abdur Razzaq, a Moual team leader from the Gabura area of Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira district, stated that his 12-member team is ready and will enter the forest with valid permits. Several Mouals have alleged that they are being forced to pay extortion money of up to Taka 10,000 per person before entering the forest, while in some cases, multiple groups demand money separately. Although Mouals are accustomed to facing risks from wild animals like the Bengal tiger and crocodiles, the fear of forest bandits has become a greater concern.
Some Mouals mentioned that many of their colleagues are reluctant to go to the forest this year due to security concerns, which may reduce the number of participants compared to previous seasons. Forest Department data shows that honey collection has fluctuated in recent years, with 4,463 quintals collected in 2021 and only 2,076 quintals in 2025. Local sources alleged that illegal honey collection has already started ahead of the official season. Some individuals are reportedly entering the forest with fishing permits and collecting honey from immature hives, selling it in wholesale markets at Taka 1,200-1,300 per kilogram.
Experts have warned that such practices disrupt bee reproduction and harm the ecosystem, potentially reducing future honey production. Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Md Mashiur Rahman of Satkhira Range stated that all preparations have been completed for the season and necessary instructions have been given to ensure the safety of Mouals. Security measures, including increased patrols and monitoring in vulnerable areas, have been strengthened in coordination with the Coast Guard. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam is expected to inaugurate the honey collection activities this year.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the West Sundarbans Division AZM Hasanur Rahman noted that the Satkhira Range accounts for the highest honey collection in the forest, and permission has been given to collect honey from 114 compartments in the range. Two to three camps have been set up, and joint patrols involving the Forest Department, Coast Guard, and RAB have been intensified to ensure security. Despite these measures, Mouals stressed that the risks remain high, as honey collection in the Sundarbans has never been risk-free due to wildlife and harsh environmental conditions.
Forest officials, however, expressed hope that the target will be achieved if weather conditions remain favorable, contributing to government revenue and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of Moual families.