The recent protocol signed between Bangladesh and India on tiger conservation is a landmark achievement in a bilateral relationship that not only encompasses both trade and commerce, but can be traced back to the very founding of our country.
India has proven itself one of the biggest allies of Bangladesh on the international stage, and it is good to see that relationship being extended to cover something as crucial as wildlife preservation. This will not only help us preserve several endangered species, but also put a stop to bigger crimes that are inexorably linked to the trafficking of wildlife.
As recently as 2019, arrests were made in Dhaka’s airport for the smuggling of turtles. In 2022, a Bangladeshi was arrested for trafficking offenses, and it was later found out that the same person was involved in smuggling endangered wildlife species; while a 2007 study also found that Bangladeshi Islamic militants sell wildlife as a source of funding.
As India shares the largest border with Bangladesh -- which is the main route through which most of the local, illegal smuggling activities are conducted -- partnering up with India is a smart move. Furthermore, given that both countries are home to the biggest number of Royal Bengal Tigers -- a species that is on the decline due to constant smuggling and poaching -- it is imperative that there be a closer collaboration between the two countries.
Overall, it’s a good sign that we are closely working with our neighbouring counterparts.