Poaching of migratory birds who come from the Himalayan, Siberian, Nepal and Mongolian regions to the country to get rid of severe cold has turned alarming in Netrakona, Kishoreganj and Sunmanganj.
Over the last few years, the number of migratory birds have receded as average temperature of the country is increasing day by day due to adverse impact of climatic change.
Although killing or trapping migratory birds is legally prohibited and a punishable act, a section of unscrupulous people are active and killing a large number of the species for meat every day and selling those to local markets.
The hunters even do not know about the penalty for hunting the guest birds which is not only essential for ecological balance and diversity, but also adding natural beauty of the country.
Normally, the poachers set poison traps on the bank of the wetlands to hunt these migratory birds, local administration are seem reluctant to take measures against the hunters.
Like previous years, thousands of migratory birds, including Bali Duck, Samukal, Bright, Rose King, Bali Lenja, Chity, Sorail, Boikal, Nilshir, Piyang, Pankouri, Rangamuri, Pintail, Pantamukhi, Chokha-chokhi and Khonjona flock to different wetlands including, haor and beel, of the greater Mymensingh.
Local people said if the administration took stern action against the poachers, they could not dare to hunt the birds.
During a visit to different kitchen markets, this correspondent found that poachers were selling birds randomly. They said during winter they used to hunt migratory birds as the demand of the bird was high due to its taste.
Mushfique Masum, an environmentalist, told the Dhaka Tribune that if the administration ensured punishment for bird hunters, the tendency of poaching of migratory birds would decline.
When contacted, Superintendent of Netrakona Police Md Abu Naser told the Dhaka Tribune that they would take stern actions against those people who poach migratory.
He said: “We are also thinking to launch mobile court to bring the culprits to the book.”
