Question: I used to live in the US and I had a pair of cockatiels as my pets there. Now I have moved to Bangladesh and I want to bring them back to Bangladesh as well. What are the applicable laws, rules or permits that I need to comply with to be able to bring them to Bangladesh?
Syed Husain, Uttura Model Town, Dhaka
Answer: Cockatiels are regarded as household or pet birds all over the world. They are very social and intelligent in nature. Currently, there is no law or regulation in Bangladesh to prohibit or restrict bringing cockatiel birds into Bangladesh. Therefore, I do not see any legal barrier in bringing the pair of cockatiels into Bangladesh.
The government may however, from time to time, by notification in the official gazette, prohibit or restrict the bringing of such birds into Bangladesh.
The government usually takes such steps during the outbreak of epidemics, ie bird flu. Customs duty is usually imposed for importing goods into Bangladesh for commercial purpose.
Since you would be bringing the cockatiels for household purpose, I suppose it would not be termed as commercial and hence no import or customs duty should be imposed, provided that you furnish an appropriate declaration to the customs authority upon arrival in Bangladesh.
You might also be required to show appropriate documents, ie proof of purchase, actual value of the cockatiels, etc, to the customs authority.
It is highly likely that you would also be required to provide documents regarding vaccination, health certificate declaring the cockatiels free of any infectious diseases, or a no objection certificate (NOC), etc from the concerned US agency or department.
Please bear in mind that it is an offence under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1920 of Bangladesh if someone behaves cruelly, beats, or ill-treats any bird in his or her possession. He or she could be imprisoned up to three months for committing any such offence.
Advised by: Md Hosne Mobarak, Associate, Old Bailey Chambers. He can be reached at contact@oldbaileybd.com