Protecting migratory birds

Bangladesh has a variety of wetlands, which accommodate hundreds of migratory bird species that come to this country every winter. These seasonal visitors settle in ponds, canals and other marshy areas in search of more habitable conditions. However here, too, they are not entirely safe. Indiscriminate hunting, trapping and selling of local and migratory birds continue during winter, starting from mid-October to mid-March across the country.

To our great disappointment, we often see that some people catch these birds and can sell them in the open market. Poachers set up traps in wetlands to catch migratory birds. Media reports have it that poachers are hunting and selling migratory birds in many parts of the country including Barishal and Sylhet. This poses a serious threat to Nature and biodiversity. There is a law that prohibits killing wild animals and birds. As the law is not used effectively, this heinous practice of poaching migratory birds continues. The authorities concerned must take steps to bring an end to the illegal poaching and make the birds' stay safe in our country.

Shahjahan Sirazi,

Malibagh, Dhaka,

[email protected]