The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change wants to turn the forests in the hilly regions into a sanctuary for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
In this regard, the committee has asked the authorities concerned to conduct a feasibility study to become sure of whether the ecosystem in these areas is suitable for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Tuesday at one of its meetings discussed it. Chaired by Saber Hossain Chowdhury, a parliament member of the ruling Awami League, the meeting was held at the Parliament building in the afternoon.
Shahab Uddin, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, deputy minister Shahab Uddin and parliament members Habibun Nahar, Nazim Uddin Ahmed, Tanvir Shakil Joy and Khodeja Nasrin Akter Hossain, among others, also participated in the meeting.
The meeting sources said the committee would further discuss the issue in detail in its next meeting.
Committee president Saber Hossain said that once the existence of the Royal Bengal Tiger was all over Bangladesh. But, gradually the number of tigers has declined and their living places have become compressed. At present, the Royal Bengal Tiger lives only in the Sundarbans.
“That is why we are thinking of whether we can make the Royal Bengal Tiger's second habitat in the hilly areas. The ministry is looking into the matter and, therefore, the ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been asked to submit a report in this regard at the next meeting”, said Saber Hossain Chowdhury.
Talking on the matter, the Parliamentary Committee president mentioned that there is much video footage, in which it is seen that Royal Bengal Tigers often sneak into Bangladesh through the Myanmar and Indian borders.
“As a result, it would be a good thing if we could make the area suitable for them (Royal Bengal Tigers)", he added.
Talking about other decisions of the meeting, Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that trans-boundary corridors are being set up in hilly areas, including Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.
“We recently have received an investigation report on the appointment of consultants for the TransBoundary Corridor. After receiving the report, the process on departmental action has already been started against the officer responsible”, he said.
The meeting sources also said that the authorities concerned have also started taking actions against those who are responsible for environment pollution in Savar area.
As part of the process, connections of electricity, water and gas of seven tanneries have already been disconnected. Besides, 23 more tanneries have been identified and actions would also be taken against them soon. Moreover, actions would be taken against brickfields responsible for air and environment pollution.
In this regard, the committee has recommended recruitment of additional manpower so that they could monitor the area properly.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury further said that the meeting also decided to reward women from the next year on the occasion of the ‘Women's Day’ to recognize the contribution of women in the environment sector.
The ministry will formulate a policy on it, he added.
