Migratory birds under threat in Kushtia's Padma char
Guest birds like ducks, cranes, and kingfishers are flocking to char areas in Marichi, Philipnagar, Ramakrishnapur, and Chilmari.
Migratory birds, a hallmark of winter in the Padma char region of Daulatpur upazila in Kushtia, are facing a growing threat as unscrupulous hunters target them for sale in local markets, sparking concerns among environmentalists.
Local activists and residents have reported that a variety of guest birds, including wild ducks, small and large cranes, sandpipers, green herons, ramghugus, nocturnal birds and kingfishers, have been arriving at the riverine char areas of Marichi, Philipnagar, Ramakrishnapur and Chilmari unions.
However, hunters equipped with nets and indigenous tools are capturing these birds, often at night and selling them in local markets the following morning.
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When visiting the area, it was observed that hunters, often concealed in water, use large nets spread across the charlands to trap the birds. A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared that some hunters also consume the birds themselves.
Environmentalists have expressed alarm over the unchecked hunting. General Secretary SI Sohel of the Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and president of the Kushtia Bird Club condemned the practice as a serious threat to biodiversity.
"Bird hunting is a punishable offence under the law. These migratory birds are a vital part of our ecosystem and must be protected. The Forest Department and local administration need to act decisively to stop this," Sohel said.
He also noted that with water levels in the Padma River receding, smaller fish and insects, such as puti and darkina, have become abundant, drawing birds to the area in search of food.
In this issue, Daulatpur Upazila Forest Officer Abubakar Siddiq said, "We are aware of the situation and legal action will be taken against those responsible," he assured.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdul Hai Siddiqui said that campaigns against illegal hunting are ongoing. However, he admitted that no specific awareness programs have yet been initiated to educate the local population about the importance of protecting these birds.
