The annual honey harvesting season in the Sundarbans begins on Tuesday amid growing security concerns, with many collectors hesitant to enter the forest.
Seasonal blooms of Khalisa, Goran, Pashur and Hargoja trees have already spread across the forest, drawing swarms of bees and signalling the start of harvesting. However, fear of bandit activity is overshadowing preparations among "mouals" (traditional honey collectors).
Collectors say they must risk their lives to harvest Sundarbans honey, renowned for its unique taste and aroma. While threats from tigers and crocodiles have long been part of the job, many now consider bandits the biggest danger.
According to locals, several groups of armed robbers are active in the forest, with incidents of abduction for ransom and physical assault reported in recent times. This has discouraged many from participating in this year’s harvesting season.
Forest officials fear that the collection target may not be met, raising concerns about a potential livelihood crisis for thousands of dependent families.
The Forest Department has allowed honey collection in the Sundarbans for two months starting April 1. This year, a target of 1,100 quintals of honey and 600 quintals of beeswax has been set for the Satkhira Range.
Data from the department shows a declining trend in honey collection in recent years. A total of 4,463 quintals were collected in 2021, which dropped to 3,080 quintals in 2022 and further to 2,825 quintals in 2023. Collection rose slightly to 3,183 quintals in 2024 before falling sharply to 2,076 quintals in 2025—around 35% lower than the previous year.
Participation has also declined. Around 8,000 mouals were involved in 2024, compared to approximately 5,000 in 2025. Locals fear the number may drop further this year.
Several collectors from Gabura, Burigoalini and Munshiganj unions in Shyamnagar upazila said bandit activity has increased, particularly following the political changes in August 2024. Concerns over personal safety and family security are deterring many from entering the forest.
Shahidul Islam, a moual from Munshiganj, said: “I have been going to the forest since childhood and never feared tigers or crocodiles. But now I fear robbers the most. If caught, there is no escape. I may give up honey collection this year and work as a day labourer instead.”
Another collector, Ansar Ali Morol, said their usual seven-member team has decided not to go this season due to safety concerns.
Bashir Ali Morol of Moukhali village said they may have to abandon their ancestral profession if security does not improve.
Abul Sana, a collector from Dantinakhali village, said: “We often go on loans to collect honey. If we fall into the hands of robbers, we lose everything.”
Collectors also claim that there is no sustainable solution to ensure security in the forest, despite occasional drives against criminal groups.
However, the Forest Department said joint patrols with the Coast Guard have been strengthened and surveillance in high-risk areas increased.
Md Moshiur Rahman, assistant conservator of forests (ACF) for the Satkhira Range under the Sundarbans West Forest Division, said efforts are underway to ensure the safety of collectors and provide necessary support.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam is scheduled to visit Khulna and Satkhira on Tuesday.
According to officials, he will inaugurate the honey collection program in the Nil Dumur area of Satkhira and exchange views with collectors.
