Photo : BSS

BAGERHAT, Feb 14, 2026 (BSS) - A public rally was held in Mongla demanding effective and scientific initiatives to protect the world heritage Sundarbans. 

On the occasion of Sundarbans Day, 'Dharitree Rakshay Amara', 'Sundarban Rakshay Amara' and Waterkeepers Bangladesh jointly organized this program.

The rally organized at the Shaheed Minar premises of Mongla Municipality at 4 pm on Saturday was presided over by 'Sunderban Rakshay Amara' coordinator Md. Noor Alam Sheikh.

Speaking as the chief guest at the rally, Sharif Jamil, member secretary of the central committee of 'Dharitree Rakshay Amara' and coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, said that although there is a call for protection every year on Sundarbans Day, the Sundarbans are facing more risks with time. 

He mentioned that the United Nations has suggested that a strategic environmental survey be properly completed in the southwestern region including the Sundarbans. 

Calling on the new government to conduct an inclusive and transparent survey, he demanded effective steps to stop fishing with poison, plastic and industrial pollution in the sea and rivers. 

The speakers said that the effects of increasing salinity and rising sea levels due to climate change are having a negative impact on the ecosystem of the Sundarbans. 

Emphasis was placed on the need to increase surveillance to protect forests and wildlife and create alternative employment opportunities for the people dependent on the Sundarbans. 

Mongla Upazila BNP President Abdul Mannan Howlader, General Secretary Abu Hossain Poni, Municipal BNP General Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Manik, sportsman Sheikh Rustam Ali, Mongla Press Club President Ahsan Habib Hasan and BNP leader Nasir Talukder spoke as special guests at the rally. 

Local dignitaries and environmentally conscious citizens participated in the program. 

Before the rally, a children's painting competition, tiger exercise, stick play and cultural programs were held. 

To mark the day, the Forest Department also held a rally and discussion at 10 am in the Chila area adjacent to the Sundarbans. 

The meeting was chaired by Dipan Chandra Das, Assistant Range Officer (ACF) of the Chandpai Range of the East Sundarbans Division and Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Nature) Md. Sanaullah Patwari was present as the chief guest.

The speakers at the meeting said that the Sundarbans are the natural protection of the country, so take coordinated initiatives to conserve forests and wildlife.