KHULNA, August 21, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 46 people were detained in connection with forest crimes in the western Sundarbans during the last two months, while forest officials filed 89 cases and seized 30 kilograms of venison and around 1,500 metres of deer-catching traps.

According to the Forest Department, forest guards conducted 108 drives in June and July under the Khulna and Satkhira ranges of the Sundarbans West Forest Division.

During the drives, authorities seized 89 boats, three trawlers, 53 fishing nets, 47 bottles of poison, 1,200 kg of crabs, 610 kg of shrimp, 185 kg of white fish and 30 kg of venison, in addition to around 1,500 metres of mala traps used for catching deer.

In the same period of 2025, forest guards conducted 110 drives and detained 47 people in connection with forest offences.

A total of 82 cases were filed at that time. The Forest Department had then seized 97 boats, four trawlers, 71 fishing nets, 44 bottles of poison, 2,200 kg of crabs, 993 kg of dried fish, 740 kg of shrimp, 210 kg of white fish and 32 kg of venison, along with around 1,000 metres of deer-catching traps.
Sundarbans West Forest Division Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) AZM Hasnur Rahman said forest crimes in the western Sundarbans declined over the last two months compared with the corresponding period last year.

He said regular patrols by forest guards to prevent illegal entry, fishing and wildlife hunting have contributed to reducing forest-related crimes in the mangrove forest.