MONGla, July 30 (V7N) – Protecting the tiger, the iconic symbol of the Sundarbans, remains a major challenge, environmentalists said at a discussion marking World Tiger Day in Mongla.
Speakers at the event stressed that protecting tigers is impossible without conserving their natural habitat, the Sundarbans. They said the world has lost around 93 percent of its tiger population over the past century. In the 19th century, an estimated 100,000 tigers lived across 33 countries, while today only around 4,000 remain in eight countries.
The discussion titled “Save the Sundarbans, Save Tigers” was held at Mithakhali Bazar in Mongla on Wednesday morning. The event was organised by Dharitri Rokkha Amra (DHARA), Pasur River Waterkeeper, Badabon Sangha, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
The programme was chaired by environmental activist Mohammad Nur Alam Sheikh, a central leader of DHARA and Pasur River Waterkeeper. Speakers highlighted the need for stronger measures to combat tiger poaching, wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction, and pollution in the Sundarbans.
Nur Alam Sheikh said local and international wildlife trafficking networks remain active in the region, killing tigers and smuggling their body parts abroad. He called for effective implementation of the Tiger Action Plan and urged authorities to address climate impacts, illegal hunting, poisoning of water bodies, and other threats to the forest ecosystem.
BNP leader Abdul Mannan Hawladar said tigers represent national pride and urged collective efforts to protect both the endangered species and the UNESCO World Heritage Sundarbans.
Other speakers, including social worker and political figure Sheikh Rustum Ali and environmental activist Mehedi Hasan, called for coordinated policies and stronger initiatives to safeguard the forest. They warned that human activities and illegal exploitation are putting the tiger habitat at risk.
Earlier in the day, a colourful rally was held through the Chandpai and Mithakhali Bazar areas to raise awareness about tiger and forest conservation. A tiger awareness performance and a friendly football match were also organised later in the afternoon at Mithakhali Field to promote public participation in protecting the Sundarbans.
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