Marking World Wildlife Day 2025, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke as the chief guest at a discussion held at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon, the capital, today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Mar 3, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said that the government has taken initiatives to revive the species that have gone extinct from the country as part of its efforts to conserve wildlife. 

She said efforts to reintroduce peacocks have already begun, with some being released in safari parks, and steps are underway to reintegrate them into their natural habitat.

In addition, the environment adviser said, a nature-friendly afforestation project covering 150 acres has been planned in the Madhupur Sal Forest.

She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon here, marking World Wildlife Day 2025.

This year’s theme of the day was: "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet."

In her speech, Rizwana said Bangladesh's biodiversity is a source of pride but also faces significant threats. 

However, she highlighted positive progress, announcing a major development: the Finance Ministry has approved 360 new positions for the Forest Department, which will enhance efforts in forest and wildlife conservation.

About forest fires in the Sundarbans, the adviser stressed the need for taking more effective measures to prevent recurrence and underscored the importance of public awareness in protecting forests and wildlife.

She called for better living conditions for zoo animals, restructuring safari parks to provide a free environment for wildlife, and improving veterinary services through collaboration with foreign experts.
Rizwana said a project to establish elephant corridors is set to begin next month, ensuring the coexistence of human and wildlife. 

She noted that numerous fishing cats were rescued this year, and for the first time, "Fishing Cat Day" was observed in Bangladesh. 

Awareness campaigns are also being conducted through Deputy Commissioners, and these efforts will continue, the adviser said.

She also stressed the need for taking collective efforts not only to reintroduce wildlife but also ensure their safe habitats, emphasising that public awareness and participation are the key drivers of conservation.

Presided over by Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Additional Secretary (Secretary in routine charge) Md Khairul Hasan and Wildlife Specialist and Former Principal Wildlife Specialist, Dubai Safari Park of UAE Dr Mohammad Ali Reza Khan.

Presentations were made by Dr Mohammad Firoz Zaman, Professor, Department of Zoology, Dhaka University; Dr Md Jahangir Alam, Country Director, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bangladesh; Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Khulna Region; Md. Sanaullah Patwary, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Region; and ABM Sarwar Alam, Programme Manager, IUCN Bangladesh.

At the event, Adviser Rizwana distributed awards to the winners of the "Know Your Wildlife" and "Wildlife Photography" competitions. 

The experts also emphasised the necessity of establishing