No Eid holidays for forest officials, strict surveillance in Sundarbans

The Forest Department has cancelled the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays of the officials and employees in order to protect the forest resources of the western Sundarbans.

During Eid holidays, the number of malpractice by poachers and miscreants in the Sundarbans increases exponentially.

Confirming the matter, Burigoalini Forest Station official Sultan Ahmed said that officials and employees of the Sundarbans Satkhira Ranch received instructions in this regard on Friday.

He said, "This year, the forest department has been asked to make vigorous patrols at the camp and station areas. As coronavirus is spreading rapidly, strict supervision will be exercised to protect the resources of Sundarbans and employees will be celebrating Eid from respective workplaces."

"There will be strict surveillance in the Sundarbans on the occasion of Eid, West Sundarbans Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Dr Abu Naser Mohsin Hassan said, adding, "With Eid holidays looming, smugglers smuggle timber from the Sundarbans for financial gain. In addition, the deer hunters become more active and immoral fishermen use poison to catch fish."

"Special initiatives have been taken this year so that no one can take advantage of the Eid holidays and engage in illegal activities in the Sundarbans. Patrols will be increased by forming special teams comprising station officers," he added.