Guest birds under attack

We are quite shocked to learn that hundreds of people are catching migratory birds on a regular basis in several northern districts adjacent to Teesta and Dharla rivers. Such illegal poaching poses a dangerous threat to our ecological diversity.

According to a report by this newspaper, 400-500 people are involved in hunting migratory birds in just one upazilla. One can only imagine how pervasive and severe the problem is in other upazillas and districts.

The report also estimates that a "professional" hunter can catch half a dozen to two dozen birds in a single day. They sell these birds in the open market for a few hundred takas. Yet, the local police and other relevant government agencies haven't taken a single step to prevent this from happening.

Also known as "guest birds" as they come from the remotest corners of the world like Siberia, migratory birds travel across hundreds or even thousands of miles. And, birds generally reflect the trends affecting the entire region's biodiversity. By conserving these birds, the conservation of biodiversity can be ensured on a wider scale.

Very few people in rural areas would be aware of the importance of protecting migratory birds. It is, therefore, imperative that the authorities concerned take serious steps to make local people aware of it.

Bangladesh has quite a stringent law to protect migratory birds, in particular, and wildlife, in general. However, as evident in the abovementioned case, the law has barely been enforced. Along with awareness campaigns, the authorities must be proactive in taking steps against illegal hunters and poachers in accordance with the law.