Strengthening conservation through collaboration: Bangladesh observes International Tiger Day
To celebrate this success and raise awareness, IUCN Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Forest Department and supported by the ITHCP Project, organised two events in Dhaka.
Bangladesh observed International Tiger Day 2025 with vibrant celebrations in Dhaka, reinforcing its commitment to tiger conservation and ecological sustainability.
With the theme "Strengthening Conservation through Collaboration," the events highlighted significant progress in protecting the endangered Bengal tiger while acknowledging ongoing challenges, reads a press release.
Globally listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the tiger is a powerful symbol of ecological balance, cultural heritage, and wild nature.
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In Bangladesh, the Bengal tiger holds an even more precarious status — Critically Endangered according to the national Red List — found only in the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a vital refuge for wildlife and coastal communities.
Encouragingly, the 2024 Tiger Status Report revealed an 18% rise in Bangladesh's tiger population — from 106 in 2015 to 125 in 2024.
This positive trend results from the ongoing efforts of the Bangladesh Forest Department, local communities, and conservation partners, including the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Notably, WildTeam, in partnership with IUCN, has trained 177 members of the Village Tiger Response Teams (VTRTs), which play a critical role in mitigating human-tiger conflict and fostering community trust.
To celebrate this success and raise awareness, IUCN Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Forest Department and supported by the ITHCP Project, organised two events in Dhaka.
The first national-level celebration was held at Hoimonti Auditorium, Ban Bhaban, bringing together policymakers, conservationists, academics, development partners, and youth.
The event was graced by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who stated, "Tiger conservation is not only an ecological concern, but also a matter of environmental justice. Local communities must be empowered as rights-holders and frontline defenders of the Sundarbans."
Bipasha S Hossain, country representative of IUCN Bangladesh, shared IUCN's vision and highlighted the importance of inclusive conservation
"Through the ITHCP Project, IUCN Bangladesh has been working hand-in-hand with the government and community to build a future where tigers thrive and people prosper. This journey blends rigorous research, grassroots empowerment, and cross-border collaboration. Our goal is to support both biodiversity and the people who protect it," she said.
A short video documentary was screened, highlighting achievements of the ITHCP across Asia and Bangladesh's critical contributions.
Among the showcased research:
- A transboundary conservation initiative by Dr Md Anwarul Islam (WildTeam), promoting grassroots action through projects like the Sundarbans Museum, WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre, and Sundarbans Prakritishala.
- A study led by Professor Dr M Abdul Aziz (Jahangirnagar University) using pellet count surveys and pugmark analysis to assess prey availability — key for tiger conservation planning.
To honour Bangladesh's rich culture and natural heritage, attendees enjoyed a Poter Gaan and Pot Chitro performance — an artistic fusion of traditional scroll painting, storytelling, and music celebrating the Sundarbans and tiger conservation.
A second event focused on youth engagement was held at Kalabagan Krira Chakra Club, in collaboration with Charuputhi and also supported by the ITHCP Project.
Over 100 participants, including 50 school students, took part in an art competition that reflected themes of hope, imagination, and a deep connection with nature.
Dr MA Aziz, sharing his experiences in the storytelling segment, inspired students with his journey in tiger conservation. The event also featured another round of Poter Gaan and Pot Chitro, bringing conservation stories to life for a younger audience.
Both events reflected IUCN Bangladesh's holistic approach, combining scientific research, community involvement, and cultural communication, the release added.
The celebrations concluded with appreciation extended to all partners, including the Bangladesh Forest Department, KfW Development Bank, WildTeam, Charuputhi, academic institutions, and students for their contributions in making International Tiger Day 2025 a resounding success.
