Bangladesh taking initiative to restore extinct wildlife: Rizwana 

The government has taken initiatives to restore species that have gone extinct from the country as part of its efforts to conserve wildlife, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today (3 March).

"Efforts to reintroduce peacocks have already begun, with some being released in safari parks, and steps are underway to reintegrate them into their natural habitat," said Rizwana, also adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources, at a discussion event marking World Wildlife Day 2025 at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon.

This year's theme was "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet."

Additionally, a nature-friendly afforestation project covering 150 acres has been planned in the Madhupur Sal Forest.

In her speech, the adviser emphasised that Bangladesh's biodiversity is a source of pride but also faces significant threats. 

She, however, highlighted positive progress, announcing a major development: the Finance Ministry has approved 360 new positions for the Forest Department, which will enhance efforts in forest and wildlife conservation.

Addressing the issue of forest fires in the Sundarbans, she stressed the need for more effective measures to prevent recurrence and underscored the importance of public awareness in protecting forests and wildlife.

She also called for better living conditions for zoo animals, restructuring safari parks to provide a freer environment for wildlife, and improving veterinary services through collaboration with foreign experts.

The adviser further stated that a project to establish elephant corridors is set to begin implementation next month, ensuring the coexistence of humans and wildlife. 

She noted that numerous fishing cats were rescued this year, and for the first time, "Fishing Cat Day" was observed in Bangladesh. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted through deputy commissioners, and these efforts will continue.

She urged collective efforts to not only reintroduce wildlife but also ensure their safe habitats, emphasizing that public awareness and participation are the key drivers of conservation.

The event was presided over by Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, and featured special guests Md. Khairul Hasan, Additional Secretary (Secretary in routine charge ), Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, Wildlife Specialist and Former Principal Wildlife Specialist, Dubai Safari Park, UAE.

Subject-matter presentations were delivered by Dr. Mohammad Firoz Zaman, Professor, Department of Zoology, Dhaka University; Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, Country Director, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bangladesh; Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Khulna Region; Md. Sanaullah Patwary, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Region; A.B.M. Sarwar Alam, Program Manager, IUCN Bangladesh

At the event, the adviser distributed awards to the winners of the "Know Your Wildlife" and "Wildlife Photography" competitions. Experts also emphasised the necessity of establishing dedicated wildlife departments in public universities.