“Badabon-er Katha”: A tale of the Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, lies on the Southwestern coastal areas of Bangladesh, forming a seaward fringe of the delta. The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of waterways, mudflats and small islands covered with mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. The area is known for its wide range of fauna. There are about 334 species of trees and plants and 450 species of animals in this forest -- a repository of diversity. Of these, there are 47 species of mammals, 270 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and 200 species of fish.
A documentary film on the Sundarbans, titled Badabon-er Katha, was premiered on August 18 at National Museum Auditorium. Under the supervision of Manzarehassin Murad, Moynul Huda has directed the documentary. It is a joint venture by Steps Towards Development and Rupantor.
The documentary presents the scenic beauty of the Sundarbans in different seasons, as well as the dependency of humans to the forest for making their living.
Badabon-er Katha begins with images of spectacular beauty of the majestic forest. The documentary features the diverse lifestyles of people living in the Sundarbans, including fishermen, honey collectors and others. Badabon-er Katha also highlights some natural and man-made changes that are fast becoming threats to the existence of the Sundarbans.
Prior to the screening of the film a discussion was held. Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, Dr. Ainun Nishat (country representative of The World Conservation Union Bangladesh), Ranjan Karmokar (executive director of Steps Towards Development), Swapan Guha (CEO of Rupantar), filmmaker Manzarehassin Murad and director of Badabon-er Katha, Moynul Huda spoke at the event.
Referring to the Sundarbans as the “only sweet-water mangrove forest in the world”, Dr. Ainun Nishat said, “Three points of the forest are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, this rare heritage site is under threat.”
Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed said, “This documentary will be a record of the Sundarbans, if ever the largest mangrove forest in the world is lost.”
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