18 native birds rescued in Gazipur; father, son held over wildlife trafficking

The Forest Department's Wildlife Crime Control Unit arrested a father and his son on charges of illegally possessing and trading protected wildlife and rescued 18 native birds during a raid in Gazipur yesterday (16 June).

The operation, conducted on the basis of a tip-off, led to the seizure of 17 hill mynas and a parrot chick, according to a press release issued by the unit this morning (17 June).

The suspects, identified as Ibrahim and his son, were later sued under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2026 and sent to jail custody.

Officials said the rescued birds have been placed under the care of the Forest Department for treatment and rehabilitation and will be relocated to a suitable environment following recommendations from the relevant authorities.

Forest Department officials display rescued birds. Photo: TBS

Wildlife Inspector Asim Mallik said a preliminary investigation found that the accused allegedly used a YouTube channel named "Rage Pakhi" and other platforms to stock, buy and sell native wildlife illegally.

He said Ibrahim had previously faced similar allegations and a wildlife-related case was filed against him at Tongi East Police Station on 30 December 2022.

The raid was carried out with assistance from Tongi East Police Station, Gazipur, emergency service 999 and members of the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Alliance (BAWA), led by wildlife conservationist Adnan Azad.

The Forest Department urged the public to remain vigilant against wildlife crimes and refrain from hunting, collecting, transporting, buying, selling or trafficking wildlife in violation of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2026.