Staff Reporter :
At least 38,000 wild animals were rescued alive in the country in the last 10 years since the enactment of ‘Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012’ and the establishment of the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) under Forest Department.
Forest officials believe that this is a great achievement for all.
Such actions prevented killing and smuggling of the wild animals, they said.
The forest officials and wildlife experts revealed the information at the inaugural ceremony of a training course, organised by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit.
The inaugural ceremony of the 10-day training titled ‘Wildlife Crime Prevention and Wildlife Handling’ began on Monday with the participation of volunteers dedicated to wildlife conservation.
The inaugural ceremony was held at the National Botanical Garden in the capital. Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury inaguarated the training programme as the chief guest, while Director of National Botanical Garden Dr. Md. Zahidur Rahman Mia attended the event as special guest.
ASM Jahir Uddin Akon, Director of WCCU presided over the function, while Wildlife Inspector Nargis Sultana moderated it.
Speaking as the chief guest, Amir Hossain Chowdhury said that wildlife must be saved in order to save the environment and the world.
He also said that many people are killing wild animals due to lack of awareness, while international criminal gangs are also involved in killing and smuggling of wild animals.
Dr. Md. Zahidur Rahman Mia said that killing and smuggling of wild animals is a punishable crime.
He also said that wildlife smuggling is going on globally and it is a heinous tasks.
ASM Jahir Uddin Akon called upon all to continue working sincerely for the conservation and prevention of wildlife.
He said the WCCU is working seriously to protect the wildlife.
He also said that in the last 10 years since the establishment of the WCCU and enactment of the wildlife conservation law, more than three hundred and fifty cases have been registered under this law. Many people have been arrested in these cases, many are facing trials.
Nargis Sultana said, “We are trying hard with our limited capacity to prevent wildlife killings and smuggling.”
She drew attention of the authorities concerned for strengthening WCCU by increasing manpower.
