Experts for policies to conserve biodiversity

Experts reiterated the need for concerted policies to conserve biodiversity in the country, said a press release.

They warned that if appropriate conservation measures are not taken, many species, particularly in the haor basin will go extinct in near future, which will affect the ecosystems in the long run.

They stated this while speaking at a workshop jointly organised by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet on Tuesday.

In a presentation made by Dr Niamul Naser of Dhaka University, it was mentioned that the Nandina (Labeo nandina) fish, (English name Kulta Labeo), has gone extinct in haors (wetlands) of the Sylhet region.

The fish was once widely distributed in the haor basin of Mymensing-Sylhet region and the Padma river system in the country.

Many other species are on the verge of extinction, he mentioned. Prof Dr Md Elias Uddin Biswas, vice-chancellor (in-charge) of SUST, spoke as the chief guest.