Citizen leaders call for separate policy to protect Sundarbans

Citizen leaders have urged the government to announce a dedicated policy for the protection of the Sundarbans, alongside allocating special budgetary provisions.

The remarks were made at a discussion on “Sundarbans Protection: Realities and Measures,” organized by Jono Uddyog Khulna Civil Society at its office in Khulna on Wednesday at 11:30 AM.

The session was chaired by teacher and civil society leader Manas Roy, while the concept note was presented by journalist Mahendranath Sen.

Other participants included Sujon district committee general secretary and environmental activist Advocate Qudrat-e-Khuda, Khulna Civil Society convener S M Shahnawaz Ali, Bangladesh Human Rights Implementation Coordinator Advocate Mominul Islam, Professor Debdas Mondal, environmental worker Abdullah R Bahram, Mofidul Islam, and community leader Sardar Abu Taher.
 
They emphasized that no heavy industries should be allowed near the forest and restrictions should be imposed on human movement during wildlife breeding seasons. They also called for building a strong social movement to safeguard the mangrove ecosystem.

“The Sundarbans act as Bangladesh’s natural shield, protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and super cyclones,” the leaders said. 

“Being the world’s largest mangrove forest and a major repository of biodiversity, it serves as the country’s oxygen reservoir, playing a crucial role in public health. Millions of people rely on the forest for fish, honey, and golpata collection, while the rivers and canals supply a large portion of the nation’s fish demand. Sundarbans-based tourism also provides livelihoods for numerous locals, and the government generates significant revenue from the forest”, they added.

They warned that climate change, rising sea levels, cyclones, and human-induced hazards threaten the forest and its biodiversity. Both government and private initiatives, along with heightened public awareness, are needed to ensure its protection, they added.