Staff Reporter :
Migratory birds that flock to the Padma Char region of Daulatpur Upazila in Kushtia every winter are facing increasing threats from hunters, raising concerns among environmentalists and wildlife advocates.
According to local residents and environmental activists, various migratory species such as wild ducks, cranes, sandpipers, green herons, and kingfishers have arrived in the riverine char areas of Marichi, Philipnagar, Ramakrishnapur, and Chilmari unions.
However, hunters armed with nets and traditional tools are targeting these birds, often at night, and selling them in local markets the following morning.
When reporters visited the area, it was found that hunters, sometimes hidden in water, use large nets spread across the charlands to trap the birds. It was reported that some hunters also consume the birds themselves.
Local environmentalists, including SI Sohel, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and president of the Kushtia Bird Club, have strongly condemned the illegal hunting, highlighting the severe threat it poses to biodiversity.
“Bird hunting is a punishable offense under the law. These migratory birds are essential to our ecosystem and must be protected. The Forest Department and local authorities need to take swift action,” Sohel urged.
The arrival of these birds has coincided with the receding water levels in the Padma River, which has led to an abundance of smaller fish and insects, attracting more birds to the area in search of food.
Daulatpur Upazila Forest Officer Abubakar Siddiq assured that the authorities are aware of the issue and that legal action will be taken against the offenders.
Additionally, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdul Hai Siddiqui mentioned that anti-hunting campaigns are ongoing, though he acknowledged the need for more awareness programs to educate the local population on the importance of protecting migratory birds.
