Crackdown intensifies in Sundarbans
Authorities have stepped up enforcement operations in the Sundarbans, resulting in a sharp rise in cases filed, arrests made, and illegal goods seized over the past year.
According to data from the Khulna Range, 33 cases were filed and 86 individuals were arrested in operations conducted across different parts of the forest until April 15 of the current year.
In the 2025-26 fiscal year, a total of 174 suspects have been detained in connection with offences such as illegal harvesting of nipa palm, golpata smuggling, poaching of deer and other wildlife, and timber trafficking.
Officials say intensified drives have led to a higher number of suspects being identified. So far, 122 cases have been filed and 16 arrests have been made under ongoing enforcement actions.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans West Division, AZM Hasanur Rahman, noted that manpower shortages and a lack of adequate water transport are hampering routine operations. “We regularly submit our requirements to the ministry, but allocations fall short of demand.
Despite these challenges, our efforts to protect the Sundarbans remain steadfast,” he said.
In the past three months alone, nine drives led to the detention of multiple suspects involved in various crimes.
Authorities seized 25 hunting tools, 22 boats, several trawlers, and illegally caught fish, along with 13 additional vessels and 16 trawlers.
Earlier, between January and the 2024-25 period, a total of 218 cases were filed and 45 individuals were arrested.
Forest officials in the Sundarbans West Division have also been working to raise awareness among local representatives, fishers, leaseholders, and residents. Efforts are underway to promote safe navigation, resolve community conflicts, and conserve biodiversity.
Joint patrols involving law enforcement agencies have been strengthened across the Khulna Range, leading to stricter action against smugglers. Authorities say a coordinated framework among agencies is being developed to better control criminal activities and safeguard forest resources.
