Sundarbans expanding, number of tigers increasing there: PM Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told Parliament that the world's largest mangrove forest, Sundarbans, is expanding and the number of tigers has already increased there.
She also said the reserve of carbon in the Sundarbans has increased from 106 million tonnes in 2009 to 139 million tonnes in 2019.
"Actually, the Sundarbans is expanding. The number of tigers has grown," she said in reply to a tabled question from Awami League MP Sultana Nadira (Women Seat-15).
Hasina, also leader of the House mentioned different steps taken by the present government to save the Sundarbans and its biodiversity.
She said there were 106 tigers in the Sundarbans, according to the tiger census conducted through camera tracking in 2015. But the number rose at 114 as per the 2018 tiger census, she added.
The premier said the numbers of trees and tigers have got increased due to the government's measures and strengthening the forest management
The Leader of the House said the Sundarbans is home for 334 species of plants, 175 species of algae, 13 species of orchids and 365 species of wildlife.
"Among the wildlife, there are 42 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, 6 species of amphibians, 315 species of birds, 210 species of fish, 24 species of shrimps and 14 species of crabs," she said.
Hasina said the government has taken measures to make foresters a time-befitting force to protect trees and wildlife in the Sundarbans.
Considering the shortage of manpower of the forest department, an initiative is being implemented to create some more posts for the protection and preservation of the Sundarbans, said Sheikh Hasina.
Noting that the Sundarbans as a unique gift of nature for Bangladesh, she said it protects the country from the brunt of the natural disasters, including cyclones.
"So, the present government is always sincere and determined to protect the forest and its biodiversity," she added.
Comments