9 sued for feasting on migratory birds in Moulvibazar

The Forest Department in Moulvibazar has filed a complaint against two people and six to seven anonymous persons after their photos of feasting on a cotton pygmy goose, locally known as Balihas, at a picnic went viral on social media.

Golam Sarwar, ranger of Moulvibazar sadar range, filed the complaint with Kulaura Police Station on Sunday against Anaf Shahriar of Kamarkandi village, Mahbub Ahmed Sumon of Mirsangkar village and six to seven anonymous ones.

The complaint will be recorded as a case, said Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabder, additional superintendent of police (administration and finance), Moulvibazar.

Divisional Forest Officer Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, "Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner Mir Nahid Ahsan informed us of the matter on the day the incident took place requesting legal action."

On Friday, businessman Mahbub Ahmed Sumon and his partner Anaf Shariar along with six to seven friends had a picnic at Hakaluki Haor when they feasted on the bird. Later, they shared the pictures and videos of the feast on their Facebook, which faced criticism from netizens.

Section 38 of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 has penalties for killing birds or migratory birds.

Section 38(1) makes it an offence if a person kills any local or migratory bird and they shall be punished for a term not exceeding one year or with a fine not exceeding Tk1 lakh or with both. If they are repeat offenders, they shall be punished with a jail term not exceeding two years or with a fine not exceeding Tk2 lakh or both.

Section 38(2) makes the person who collects, acquires, purchases, sells or transports any trophy, uncured trophy, meat, or parts of the body of local or migratory birds that are mentioned in the schedule I and II, liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or with fine not exceeding Tk30,000 or with both. For repeat offenders, the jail term will not exceed one year or a fine not exceeding Tk50,000 or both.

Section 42 talks about abetting the aforementioned acts as an offence and Section 46 makes companies or commercial firms liable for offences committed under this Act.