Govt is successful in reducing the killing of migratory birds: Minister

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Md Shahab Uddin, said that the government has been successful in reducing the killing of migratory birds in the country.

"As a result of effective measures taken by the government to conserve migratory birds, the kill rate has come down. I want everyone's cooperation to stop the killing of birds altogether," said the minister. 

The Minister said this on Saturday, addressing an online discussion on the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day 2021, organised by the Forest Department.

This year the day was celebrated with the theme of "Sing, Fly, Soar - Like a bird!" 

In his speech, Minister Shahab Uddin said that every year in winter, different species of migratory birds come from countries far away to enrich our nature and biodiversity. 

"Of about 710 species of birds including residential and migratory birds in Bangladesh, 650 species of birds have been included in the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act," the minister said.  

He warned of the provision under which hunting and killing of migratory birds can result in imprisonment for a maximum of 1 year or a fine of up to Tk1 lakh.

Referring to various initiatives taken by the government for the conservation of birds, the minister said, "Sonadia, Nijhum Island, Tanguar Haor, Hakaluki Haor, Hail Haor, and Ganguira Char in Bangladesh have been declared East Asian Australasian flyway sites for the conservation of migratory birds."  

The minister said that for research on migratory birds, a bird census and bird ringing, and most importantly, GPS satellite tagging, are being done, by which various important data related to migratory birds is being obtained.

"Regular operations are being carried out across the country to stop illegal bird hunting and trade. The offenders are being imprisoned and fined by mobile courts," he added.

Deputy Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Begum Habibun Nahar, Secretary Ziaul Hasan, and Inam Al Haq, founder of the Bangladesh Bird Club were present as special guests at the discussion meeting chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests, Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury.