News Flash
SATKHIRA, April 1 (BSS) - State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam today said that the government is determined to make the Sundarbans free from pirates at any cost.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the honey collection season at Burigoalini Government Primary School ground under Shyamnagar upazila of the district.
The state minister said that the forest and river pirates continue to operate in the surrounding areas, but they can be resisted through collective social awareness and action. He urged the local residents to identify the criminals and assist the law enforcing agencies.
“Whenever the pirates detain fishermen in the Sundarbans, the transactions take place in nearby localities either in Khulna, Satkhira, or Bagerhat. If you provide us with accurate information, I assure you that we will eliminate piracy from the Sundarbans at any cost,” he said.
He added that instructions have already been issued to the joint forces including RAB, BGB, Police, Navy and the Coast Guard from Khulna Circuit House to take action against pirates.
The minister also warned against illegal fishing practices using poison, saying such activities are destroying fish resources and biodiversity and harming wildlife. He pledged for taking strict action against those involved in supplying and trading such harmful substances.
Calling honey a “blessing from Allah,” he urged the honey collectors not to adulterate it and instead focus on branding the product. “Do not mix anything with honey. If anyone does, report them,” he said.
He noted that honey collection is a major source of livelihood for coastal communities in the Sundarbans and the government remains committed to improving their safety and living standards.
He also announced that, like family card, fishermen would be issued identification card.
The event was chaired by Divisional Forest Officer Imran Ahmed. Among others, Gazi Nazrul Islam, MP, Deputy Commissioner Afroz Akhter, Superintendent of Police Md. Arfin Jewel and local BNP leaders including H.M. Rahmat Ullah Palash, Abu Zahid Dablu and Dr Md Moniruzzaman, were present at that time.
Following the inauguration, licensed honey collectors (Mouals) began their journey into the Sundarbans.
According to officials, the target for the current season is to collect 1,100 quintals of honey and 600 quintals of wax. Honey collection in the Sundarbans has been a tradition for 166 years.
