Mongla, July 16 (V7N)- Despite the oversight of the Administration and Forest Department, the practice of fishing with poison in various channels of the Sundarbans remains unabated. Even though individuals have been apprehended with poison bottles and poisoned fish, they reengage in this occupation after serving their sentences. This has raised concerns among forest officials, environmentalists, and local representatives, prompting them to convene and determine necessary actions.
 
On Tuesday (July 16), at 10 am, the Officers' Club of Mongla Upazila organized a meeting hosted by the non-governmental organization Rehabilitation Employment and Development for the Youths (READY). Present at the event were former Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and current MP Begum Habibun Nahar, Mongla Upazila Chairman Abu Taher Haoladar, Vice Chairman Kamrunnahar Hai, Mohammad Jamal Hossain, Assistant Forest Conservator of Chandpai Range in the former Sundarbans, Chandpai Upazila Chairman Molla Tarikul Islam, and Nur Alam Sheikh, Executive Editor of Bangladesh Environment Movement.
 
During the gathering, MP Begum Habibun Nahar emphasized, "The use of poison for fishing poses a significant threat to the Sundarbans. The practice of poisoning fish in the flowing channels of the Sundarbans is increasingly prevalent. There is an ongoing cycle of crime among offenders. The government is implementing effective measures to combat this offense. Additionally, it is imperative that everyone steps forward to cease fishing with poison. Efforts are needed to educate offenders in remote areas to prevent these criminal activities."
 
It is noteworthy that despite the prohibition on fishing and crabbing in the Sundarbans, including for tourists, influential individuals continue to operate with impunity, employing poison for fishing. Despite efforts by the Forest Department and local administration, they have not yet managed to curb these activities. While a few have been apprehended, the cycle of crime persists and continues to escalate.
 
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