Hunters in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj are indiscriminately hunting migratory birds from the Chalan Beel. As no action is being taken against them, these hunters are taking this opportunity to hunt these birds who traveled a long way to escape the harsh winter.
As the winter started to set in at the beginning of November, these migratory birds started arriving in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj, as they do every year. However, some of these birds are being hunted and sold in local markets in the Chalan Beel region.
To escape the intolerable winter of Siberia, these birds flock to Chalan Beel in large numbers. Seizing this opportunity, some hunters are hunting these birds for profit. They use various types of fine nets and traps to catch these migratory birds. Due to the lack of strict enforcement of the Wildlife Conservation Act, these birds are being hunted every day and sold in the local markets.
Local residents said that markets such as Kundail Bazaar and Dighisaguna Bazaar in Saguna union are hubs for selling migratory birds. Hunters often capture birds at night and bring them to the markets early in the morning. Additionally, heron birds are sold in Bostul Bazaar and Pauta Bazaar of Baruhaas Union.
Two local hunters, seeking anonymity, said that they believe there aren’t many restrictions on bird hunting. They see it as an easy way to earn extra money with minimal effort alongside other work. Since there is demand for migratory birds, buyers often maintain contact with the hunters and sometimes purchase birds directly from their homes.
Marjina Islam, a lecturer in the Zoology Department of a local college, explained that as the waters of Chalan Beel recede, small fish like puti, darkina, and kholisha, along with various insects, become abundant. Attracted by this food supply and seeking refuge from the cold, different species of migratory birds, including Asian Openbill Storks and Bar-headed Geese, take shelter in Chalan Beel. However, hunters exploit this by setting up nets and traps. She noted that many hunters may not be aware of the penalties under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012, which include up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk 50,000, or both. Repeat offenders can face up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk 200,000, or both.
Abdur Razzak Raju, coordinator of the Chalan Beel Protection Movement's Tarash Upazila branch, said, many people post pictures of purchased birds on social media platforms like Facebook, which shows a lack of fear or awareness about the legal consequences of bird hunting. To save the birds of Chalan Beel, widespread awareness campaigns are necessary in addition to enforcing the law. This could help stop bird hunting in the region.
Mohammad Sharif Khandaker, executive director of a local voluntary organization called Village Vision, and its advisor Saiful Islam recently observed the buying and selling of migratory birds at Dighisaguna Bazaar. They believe that hunters, buyers, and villagers are both careless and cunning. Despite knowing it's wrong, they continue this practice. They have called for legal action as well as a social movement to address this issue.
Forest Officer of Tarash upazila, Kamruzzaman, said that with the onset of winter, various species of birds are arriving. However, some greedy hunters are capturing these birds under the cover of darkness. Most of the hunting hunts at night, making it nearly impossible to track down the hunters in the vast Chalan Beel. Nonetheless, awareness campaigns are being conducted, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend these hunters.
Tarash Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Suiching Mong Marma said, based on information about the hunters' locations, operations will be conducted under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012, to take appropriate action. Joint operations may also be carried out if necessary to bring the bird hunters to justice.
