Sundarbans reopens after three-months

The Sundarbans opened up today, Tuesday (September 1), after being closed for three months, giving access to fishermen, woodcutters, honey collectors, and tourists. Tourism businesses are also prepared to receive their customers.

Closure was imposed from June 1 to August 31 due to the need to preserve wildlife and biodiversity. But, the fishermen said that the pirates demand money from them before letting them go into the forest and if they refuse, then they are forced to seize their boats, take them as hostages, attack, and threaten them.

According to the Forest Department, 55 cases have been filed, and 44 people were arrested for illegal entry and fishing/crabbing during the closure period.

The Forest Department added that anti-piracy campaigns continue, and the Coast Guard, RAB, and other police agencies are supporting their efforts.