The hunting of migratory birds with chemical poisons has recently become a common practice across the coastal wetlands of Bhola district, reports UNB.
The Meghna estuary as well as more than 50 remote chars - including Majhir Char, Madanpur, Medua, Nemayetpur char, Tarua of Char Fashion, Kukri-Mukri, Dhalchar and Charpalita - have been the wintering ground for various species of migratory birds travelling from faraway northern regions of the globe.
But, the historical safe haven for the birds is under threat from the hunters, who have easily been setting net traps by spraying poison on crop fields.
The birds become infected during low tides and sometiumes dies on the spot. Every day, numerous corpses are seen floating in the water and the hunters collect them in large numbers, according to locals who said some 20-25 people are involved in the hunting.
"We have already alerted all stations to the bird poachers and ordered to take stern action against them," said Lieutenant Najiur Rahman, operation officer of the Bhola Coast guard (South Zone).
But it is not only the hunters who are responsible for this onslaught; the locals are also in the habit of consuming the dead birds and are ready to pay Tk 500-600 a piece, oblivious to the possible impact of consuming the poisoned kills.
"The poison used for hunting the birds is also very harmful to the human body," said Bhola Civil Surgeon Rathindranath Majumber.
Shamsul Alam Mithu, general secretary of Bhola Press Club, said a lack of awareness and surveillance by the authorities caused the illegal hunting to rise in recent years.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
