Call for effective initiatives to protect the world heritage

FE Team | Published: February 14, 2026 23:40:30

BAGERHAT, Feb 14 (BSS) - A public rally was held in Mongla on Saturday demanding effective and scientific initiatives to protect the world heritage Sundarbans.
On the occasion of Sundarbans Day, 'Dharitree Rakshay Amara', 'Sundarban Rakshay Amara' and Waterkeepers Bangladesh jointly organized this programme.
The rally, organized at the Shaheed Minar premises of Mongla Municipality, was presided over by 'Sunderban Rakshay Amara' coordinator Md. Noor Alam Sheikh.
Speaking as the chief guest at the rally, Sharif Jamil, member secretary of the central committee of 'Dharitree Rakshay Amara' and coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, said that although there is a call for protection every year on Sundarbans Day, the Sundarbans are facing more risks with time.
He mentioned that the United Nations has suggested that a strategic environmental survey be properly completed in the southwestern region including the Sundarbans.
Calling on the new government to conduct an inclusive and transparent survey, he demanded effective steps to stop fishing with poison, plastic and industrial pollution in the sea and rivers.
The speakers said that the effects of increasing salinity and rising sea levels due to climate change are having a negative impact on the ecosystem of the Sundarbans.
Emphasis was placed on the need to increase surveillance to protect forests and wildlife and create alternative employment opportunities for the people dependent on the Sundarbans.
Mongla Upazila BNP President Abdul Mannan Howlader, General Secretary Abu Hossain Poni, Municipal BNP General Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Manik, sportsman Sheikh Rustam Ali, Mongla Press Club President Ahsan Habib Hasan and BNP leader Nasir Talukder spoke as special guests at the rally.