News Flash
GAZIPUR, April 9, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today warned that those responsible for missing of rare animals from the Gazipur Safari Park will face strict punishment.
“Dismissal alone is not enough. The punishment must be exemplary so that none dares to show such negligence in future,” she told a press briefing following her visit to the park today.
Expressing her concern, the adviser noted that while some animals appeared to live in conditions resembling their natural habitat, many were not enjoying an adequate quality of life.
She found behavioural abnormalities in certain elephants and jaguars particularly disturbing.
“This park should not merely be a centre for recreation,” she said. “It ought to be a place where people, especially children, learn empathy and care for wildlife,” Rizwana said.
Referring to the recent missing of a lemur, said such an incident clearly reflects a lapse in management.
After discussions with park officials, she identified gaps in CCTV coverage and security arrangements.
To ensure transparency in the investigation, she announced the formation of a robust probe committee comprising experts in wildlife and environmental crime.
Addressing forest department officials, she cautioned, “Government projects are not meant to be activated only when funds are released. The Safari Park is a national asset. Its development and upkeep require regular allocations and genuine commitment.”
She also revealed that talks are underway with experts from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India regarding the welfare of the captive elephants.
A new project focused on improving their wellbeing is awaiting approval, Rizwana said.
“The residents of Gazipur must take the lead in protecting this national treasure,” she emphasised.
“Curbing cruelty to animals, preventing illegal bird trade, and recovering lost wildlife demand both administrative vigilance and public awareness,” she said.
Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, Superintendent of Police Dr Chowdhury Md Zaber Sadeque, Conservator of Forests of Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle Sanullah Patwary, Conservator of Forests of Central Circle ASM Zahir Uddin Akon, and the acting officer-in-charge of the Safari Park accompanied the environment adviser during her visit to the safari park.
Following the park visit, Rizwana Hasan also toured Bhawal National Park and presided over a discussion meeting with officials from the Department of Forest and the Department of Environment at the Champa Conference Room of the Forest Department in Gazipur.
She directed the officials to formulate a concrete action plan for the conservation of the environment and forests in Gazipur.
The adviser also listened to the challenges faced by officials and assured them of the ministry’s full support.
