Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said that a master plan has been adopted to modernize the National Zoo and Rangpur Zoo.
He said, “The government would like to make all the institutions of Bangladesh modern. In this continuity, a master plan has been undertaken to transform the National Zoo and Rangpur Zoo into world-class entities under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The international standard development of the zoo will be ensured in a planned and environmentally friendly manner.”
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of a two-day workshop on the preparation of master plan to modernize Bangladesh National Zoo and Rangpur Zoo at a hotel in the capital on Sunday.
Referring to the development of Bangladesh as a wonder of the world today, the minister said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the artisan of this development. She has been able to achieve remarkable success on the issue of national development. We have formulated a master plan on how to modernize the zoo by creating a natural environment in harmony with the earth, without destroying nature and harming the fauna.”
“We do not want to take too long to implement the zoo's master plan. We want to reach the target within a short period of time. We have to take the lead in all areas at the international level,” he added.
He further said that the goal of the master plan is not to destroy trees but to create open areas for animals in the form of safari park by relocating trees.
The Minister also spoke about the recent development of the environment and existing infrastructure of the National Zoo.
“At present, the zoo is in a healthy, environmentally friendly and clean condition,” he said.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md Taufiqul Arif delivered speech as the special guest at the event, chaired by Director General of the Department of Livestock Dr Manjur Mohammad Shahjada.
National Zoo Director Dr Md Abdul Latif delivered the welcome speech.
The zoo's master plan was outlined by international zoo expert Bernard Harrison, team leader at Bernard Harrison and Friends Ltd., a Singapore-based company.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock SM Ferdous Alam, international zoo expert Reza Khan, senior officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Department of Livestock and teachers of various universities were present during this time.