RAJSHAHI, Oct 9, 2021 (BSS) - World Migratory Bird Day was observed here
on Saturday with a call to take immediate measures for protecting the
migratory birds and their habitats from pollution and other habitat
depletion.

   Environmental pollution is a serious and growing threat to migratory
birds, which is limiting the ability of the migratory birds to deal with the
much larger threat faced by climate change.

   "Sing, Fly, Soar - Like a Bird!" is the theme of this year's World
Migratory Bird Day, an annual global campaign dedicated to raising awareness
of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve
them.

   On the occasion, the Department of Wildlife Management and Nature
Conservation organized a programme at Shingra Pourashava Auditorium today.

   Regional Forest Conservator of Social Forestry Aminul Islam, Divisional
Forest Officer of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Zillur Rahman,
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Jamil Akter Rajshahi Divisional
Forest Officer General Secretary of Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation
Federation Sazzad Hossain Mukul, President of Chalan Beel Biodiversity
Protection Committee Prof Akteruzzaman and its General Secretary Saiful Islam
addressed the meeting.

   They called for highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on migratory
birds and their habitats; and protecting nature and natural resources through
adopting time-befitting and effective measures for conservation of
biodiversity.

   The discussants also unequivocally called for creating gardens with
adequate protection and security for migratory birds to ensure their safe
living and breeding.

   Referring to various initiatives taken by the government for the
conservation of birds, Regional Forest Conservator Aminul Islam said that out
of about 710 species of birds including resident and migratory birds in
Bangladesh, 650 species of birds have been included in the schedule of
Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act.

   Provision has been made for imprisonment for a maximum of 1 year or a fine
of up to Tk 1 (one) lakh for hunting / killing migratory birds. Sonadia,
Nijhum Island, Tanguar Haor, Hakaluki Haor, Hail Haor and Ganguira Char in
Bangladesh have been declared as East Asian Australasian flyway sites for the
conservation of migratory birds.

   The forest officer said regular operations are being carried out across
the country to stop illegal bird hunting and trade.

   The offender is being handcuffed and is being imprisoned and fined for
various terms by conducting mobile court. As a result, the crime rate has
dropped dramatically.

   Marking the day, they freed 10 birds, which were rescued from hunters, in
the sky.