The Moulvibazar district police on Friday implemented a speed limit of 20 km/h within the Lauachhara National Park in Moulvibazar to protect wildlife.
The police also set up billboards as part of public awareness campaigns to prevent bird hunting and anti-biodiversity activities in Baikka Beel, a fish sanctuary and bird sanctuary
Superintendent of Moulvibazar Police Manjur Rahman said the initiatives aim to safeguard the wildlife in Lauachhara Park from road accidents and preserve the environment in the Baikka Beel area.
The Forest Department had established a speed limit for the forest last year, but due to a lack of supervision and manpower, it couldn't be effectively enforced.
However, local environmental activists are now optimistic as the police have taken the lead.
Ripon Dey, joint convener of Stand for Our Endangered Wildlife, commended the district police's efforts.
He pointed out that despite the speed limit being set at 20 km/h in Lawachara, a lack of proper supervision and manpower in the Forest Department had hindered the programme's success, resulting in injuries and deaths of many animals.
With the police taking charge and providing supervision, implementation should be smoother, he expressed his home while wholeheartedly welcoming this initiative.
Additional Superintendent of Police Sudarshan Roy, senior officers from the District and Thana Police, as well as members of Stand for Our Endangered Wildlife and volunteers, were present during the operation.
Lawachhara National Park is an important sanctuary, buzzing with rare and endangered animals. However, its wildlife is facing a significant challenge when it comes to co-existing with the railway and regional road that passes through it.
The 1,250-hectare forest is home to numerous species of animals including owls, monkeys, pythons, wild fowl, pangolins, barking deer, fishing cats, and wild boars.
According to the wildlife conservation department, over 50 animals fall victim to fatal railway and road accidents annually.
However, local conservationists claim the number to be much higher in reality.
The accidents are mostly caused on Sreemangal-Kamalganj road and Dhaka-Sylhet railway park pass. The wildlife in the area is also disrupted due to the noise pollution caused by speeding trains and vehicles.
