Sundarbans to reopen after 3-month closure, as forest dwellers reject restrictions 

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is set to reopen on 1 September after a three-month closure amid protests from dwellers of the Satkhira Range area against government restrictions on access.

Thousands of forest dwellers organised a protest march and surrounded the Forest Department office in Nildumur area on Wednesday, to press for prevention of future closures of the Sundarbans and reopening of protected areas within the forest.

The protesters argued that the three-month closure severely impacted their livelihoods, leaving many families in a state of near starvation. They are also calling for the cancellation of a decision that has designated two-thirds of the Sundarbans as protected areas with restricted access.

The closure, which was implemented based on a notification dated 28 July 2020 from the Cabinet Division, aimed to protect wildlife and plant breeding during the months of June, July, and August. 

The notification recommended suspending tourism and forest-dependent activities during this period and suggested providing alternative employment or food aid to affected individuals.

MKM Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, assistant forest conservator of the Satkhira Range, confirmed that the Sundarbans will reopen as scheduled. While some food aid is being provided through the Department of Fisheries, discussions with higher authorities are ongoing to ensure comprehensive support for forest dwellers. 

The preparation of a list for food assistance is underway, with expectations for full aid to be available by next year. Additionally, he noted that changes in government could lead to new decisions regarding forest access.

The Sundarbans spans approximately 10,000 sq km, with the Bangladesh portion covering 6,517 sq km across Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, and Barguna districts.