The Nature and Biodiversity Preservation Forum, Rajshahi, organized a human chain and leaflet distribution near the T-embankment of the Padma River and surrounding Sreerampore areas on Friday, protesting the illegal hunting of birds using poison baits and current nets in the river’s charlands.
Volunteers from various environmental organizations in the city participated in the program. Ahead of the event, banners and festoons carrying awareness messages against bird hunting were displayed in different locations along the embankment and nearby areas.
Presided over by Dr. BK Dam, President of the Nature and Biodiversity Preservation Forum, the program was conducted by Engineer Junaid Ahmed, Founder and General Secretary of the organization.
Among those present were Organizing Secretary Fahad Iqbal, Treasurer Ramjan Ali Sarker, Information and Technical Affairs Secretary Feroz Ali, and members AAHM Asaduzzaman, Joyanta Kumar Sarker, and Ishtiaque Shahriar.
Speakers Highlight Ecological Importance of Birds
Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasized the crucial role of birds in maintaining environmental balance by sustaining the food chain.
They noted that birds contribute to increased food production by preying on rats and insects while also acting as natural pollinators and seed dispersers.
Furthermore, birds serve as biological indicators of environmental health and help clean nature by consuming organic waste.
Describing birds as an invaluable part of nature, the speakers stressed the need for collective efforts to protect them and take strong social action against illegal hunting.
Illegal Hunting Poses Serious Threats
With the arrival of winter, large numbers of migratory and local birds flock to the Padma River’s charlands. However, a group of unscrupulous individuals has been trapping these birds using poisoned bait and current nets, later selling their meat to restaurants under the guise of duck meat.
This illegal trade is not only endangering biodiversity but also posing severe health risks to consumers, as eating poisoned bird meat can lead to various illnesses.
Despite periodic crackdowns by local authorities, including fines and imprisonment for offenders, the practice continues unabated, the speakers lamented.
They urged strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws and greater community involvement to curb this harmful practice and safeguard the region’s ecological balance.
