To mark World Bee Day, a press conference was organised at Dhaka Reporters Unity by Shikkha Shastho Unnayan Karmoshuchi (SHISUK), Rural Development Academy, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), BSAFE Foundation, and the North Bengal Honey Community.
The event focused on the theme: “Indiscriminate Use of Pesticides Threatens Bees, Food Safety and Environmental Protection.”
The discussion highlighted the ecological significance of bees, the potential of apiculture, and the harmful effects of pesticides.
A video presentation demonstrated how the use of pesticides in beekeeping has become a serious threat.
Apiculturist Abdur Rashid Mondal from Sirajganj said that 160 boxes on his farm in Thakurgaon were poisoned, killing all the bees, causing a loss of approximately Tk6 lakh. He added that young people are now becoming increasingly disinterested in apiculture.
Jahangir Alam from the North Bengal Honey Community stated that 86% of global pollination is carried out by bees, yet four out of the six native bee species are on the verge of extinction.
SHISUK representative Sakiul Morshed warned: “Without pollination, global food security will be severely compromised, and if bees go extinct, so will human civilisation.” He stressed the need to brand local honey and protect bee populations.
BSAFE Foundation President Dr Zainul Abedin remarked: “Although pesticides once played a vital role in agriculture, they have now become hazardous.” He called for increasing the use of organic pesticides and highlighted the need for state support in their research, production, and marketing.
Speakers further advocated for the expansion of environmentally friendly agricultural practices, the development of the local honey industry, and the widespread use of organic pesticides as a safer alternative.
They emphasised coordinated efforts among the government, private organisations, and the public to raise awareness.
It is worth noting that the United Nations has observed May 20 as World Bee Day since 2018.
