With the recent spike in deer poaching being carried out in the Sundarbans, it is high time that the nation had a collective conversation on conservation.
Globally speaking, our planet's wildlife is increasingly finding itself at risk -- from the scourges of animal trafficking to poaching, there seems to be little to no regard for life when it comes to our animal friends. While a mere footnote in the grander scheme of things, deer poaching in the Sundarbans has been an issue for a long time, with inaction by the relevant authorities mainly to blame for its proliferation.
Article 18A of the constitution has hard provisions which account for the conservation and safety of forest, wildlife, endangered species and biodiversity. But legal provisions mean nothing unless they are backed up with pro-active enforcement -- lack of action will invariably result in poachers to further break the law, after all.
Just last year, Bangladesh observed a sharp decline in its tiger population which has been years in the making, and more than 100 shukshuks and dolphins have been found dead in the Sundarbans in the last 15 years. Why do we keep failing on matters of conservation like this?
Our animals and the many fauna which make up our biodiversity have just as much claim to life as any human citizen, which is why it is deeply disappointing that inaction and apathy are what have led to the status quo.
This needs to change.
Places such as the Sundarbans are precious parts of our national heritage, and we must do everything it takes to ensure that their environmental and ecological integrity are not just maintained but allowed to flourish.
If we wish to retain the scenic beauty of Bangladesh and make our nation a friendlier place for all forms of life, it is high time that we started acting on it.