National Desk :
World Migratory Bird Day was observed here on Saturday with a call to take immediate measures for protecting the migratory birds and their habitats from pollution and other habitat depletion.
Environmental pollution is a serious and growing threat to migratory birds, which is limiting the ability of the migratory birds to deal with the much larger threat faced by climate change.
“Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!” is the theme of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, an annual global campaign dedicated to raising awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
On the occasion, the Department of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation organized a programme at Shingra Pourashava Auditorium today.
Regional Forest Conservator of Social Forestry Aminul Islam, Divisional Forest Officer of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Zillur Rahman, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Jamil Akter Rajshahi Divisional Forest Officer General Secretary of Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation Sazzad Hossain Mukul, President of Chalan Beel Biodiversity Protection Committee Prof Akteruzzaman and its General Secretary Saiful Islam addressed the meeting.
They called for highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on migratory birds and their habitats; and protecting nature and natural resources through adopting time-befitting and effective measures for conservation of biodiversity.
The discussants also unequivocally called for creating gardens with adequate protection and security for migratory birds to ensure their safe living and breeding.
Referring to various initiatives taken by the government for the conservation of birds, Regional Forest Conservator Aminul Islam said that out of about 710 species of birds including resident and migratory birds in Bangladesh, 650 species of birds have been included in the schedule of Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act.
Provision has been made for imprisonment for a maximum of 1 year or a fine of up to Tk 1 (one) lakh for hunting / killing migratory birds. Sonadia, Nijhum Island, Tanguar Haor, Hakaluki Haor, Hail Haor and Ganguira Char in Bangladesh have been declared as East Asian Australasian flyway sites for the conservation of migratory birds.
The forest officer said regular operations are being carried out across the country to stop illegal bird hunting and trade.
The offender is being handcuffed and is being imprisoned and fined for various terms by conducting mobile court. As a result, the crime rate has dropped dramatically. Marking the day, they freed 10 birds, which were rescued from hunters, in the sky.
