Protect our wildlife

Wildlife trade is illegal in Bangladesh. But the practice of selling and buying rare wild animal species is going on unabated in the country for long. Sadly, our country is used as a transit for wildlife trafficking. According to a recent study prepared by Cambridge University, illegal trade in wildlife has been taking place openly in 13 districts of the country. The districts are Satkhira, Bagerhat, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Kishoreganj, Manikganj, Gopalganj, Rangamati, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban and Gazipur. Wild animals are being caught from different parts of the country and then brought to Dhaka and Chattogram. From there the animals are trafficked to different countries including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore and China. Some of these trafficked animals are Bengal tiger, crocodiles, fishing cat, monkey, spotted deer and various kinds of reptiles, snakes and birds. The study shows that our country has already become a safe haven for wildlife traffickers. And if we cannot control this illegal trade, much of our wildlife may soon become extinct.
The practice of wildlife trade should be firmly handled. Awareness campaigns to educate people to help eliminate the suffering of these protected species and animals should be launched. The government should make an effort to highlight this critical issue and stamp out the illegal trade. Stepping up enforcement measures against wildlife trade hubs can help. The government of Bangladesh has signed the International Convention on the Protection of Wild Animals. But the reality is that the authorities concerned are not taking any effective steps against this illegal trade.
Al Amin,
Student of University of Dhaka,
alaminsarkar522@gmail.com