Main accused arrested over killing of weaver bird chicks in Jhalakathi
Mobarak Ali Fakir, the main accused in the case, was apprehended at his residence in Guatan village under Sekherhat Union No 9 of Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila following a police operation launched after a case was filed by the Forest Department
Authorities have arrested a 70-year-old man in connection with the killing of nearly a hundred weaver bird chicks and the destruction of dozens of nests in Jhalakathi, prompting strong condemnation and a warning of strict action from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Mobarak Ali Fakir, the main accused in the case, was apprehended at his residence in Guatan village under Sekherhat Union No 9 of Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila following a police operation launched after a case was filed by the Forest Department.
According to a press release issued by the ministry today (30 June), the Forest Department has lodged a case against three individuals under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012 at the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Jhalakathi. Additionally, a local Union Parishad member has filed a separate case with the local police station.
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The incident took place on 27 June when a palm tree located on government land beside a public road was felled, despite appeals from local residents who had warned that the tree was home to numerous nests, eggs, and chicks of the baya weaver bird. The felling resulted in the destruction of 47 nests, 96 chicks, and 24 eggs.
Following public outcry, the Forest Department, in coordination with the local administration, launched a swift operation to arrest the suspects. While the main accused has been detained, efforts to capture the remaining individuals involved are ongoing.
In a bid to mitigate the environmental damage, the Forest Department has since planted new palm saplings at the site and launched local awareness initiatives focused on wildlife protection and conservation.
Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, "Strict legal action will be taken in future against anyone who kills wildlife or destroys their habitats. The ministry will not tolerate such acts of cruelty."
