BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke as the chief guest at the 'Animal and Life Fair' virtually held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre in Dhaka today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Sept 13, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today called for prioritizing ecological balance and biodiversity conservation, saying the survival of human society is deeply linked to the rights and safety of animals and wildlife.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 'Animal and Life Fair' virtually hosted by the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre, Tarique Rahman emphasized that a sustainable future cannot be imagined without a healthy ecosystem.

"The conservation of biodiversity and preservation of ecological balance are crucial for ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for mankind. Animal rights are not just a humanitarian responsibility, they are intrinsically tied to our own existence," he said.

Tarique stressed the importance of human empathy towards animals, arguing that the maturity of a society is reflected in how it treats other living beings. 

"When humans are sympathetic toward animals and ensure their safe habitats, it reflects the advancement of a compassionate and thoughtful society. Protecting animals and maintaining their habitats is not a luxury but a necessity."

He elaborated on how every species -- domestic or wild -- contributes to the survival and development of human life, saying, "Every creature in the natural world plays a vital role. Today's discussions have shown how indispensable animals and wildlife are to the ecosystem and to our collective future."

Citing the increasing threat of Aedes mosquitoes in urban areas, he pointed to the decline in natural predators like frogs due to habitat destruction. 

"The loss of frogs which feed on mosquito larvae is a direct result of vanishing water bodies in Dhaka city. This demonstrates how ignoring the ecosystem has a real, negative impact on public health," he added.

Tarique linked ecological degradation to the broader political and social landscape, saying, "I firmly believe that just as human rights require democracy to thrive, the ecosystem too needs democratic governance for its protection. When democracy is established in the state, the rights of all living beings -- humans and animals alike -- are better safeguarded."

He announced that, if given the opportunity to form government, BNP would reform and strengthen existing environmental and wildlife laws, including the Animal Welfare Act 2019, Wildlife Conservation and Security Act, Biodiversity Protection Act, Environmental Development Act, Environmental Conservation Act, and Climate Change Trust Act, to make them more effective and relevant.

However, he stressed that legislation alone is not enough. 

"Public awareness is more crucial than laws when it comes to protecting biodiversity. Every citizen must internalize the importance of wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Human safety and well-being are directly dependent on these factors."

Reflecting on the political context, Tarique observed that a lack of democratic rights over the past decade and a half may have fostered growing intolerance within society. "Our pledge today should be to reject that intolerance and embrace humanity. When we ensure our own rights, we naturally become more compassionate in ensuring the rights of other beings."

The event was presided over by Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association's convener Adnan Azad. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, former national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal, and the Association's Chief Coordinator Atikur Rahman Rumon also addressed the programme as special guests.