DHAKA, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS) - The interim government has taken a landmark step 
to protect the country's biodiversity, forests and wildlife by issuing the 
Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Ordinance, 2025, which retains the 
provision of a maximum 12-year jail term and a fine of Taka 1.5 million for 
hunting tigers and elephants.

The gazette of the ordinance was issued on December 7, 2025.

Under the new provisions, the ordinance ensures the strictest punishment 
against wildlife hunting, cruelty to animals and destruction of forest 
resources. The hunting of iconic species such as tigers or elephants will now 
carry a maximum punishment of 12 years' imprisonment and a fine of Taka 1.5 
million.

According to Sections 41 and 44, hunting of Schedule-1(A) species, including 
tigers and elephants, will be punishable with a minimum of two years and a 
maximum of seven years' imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from Taka 
100,000 to Taka one million.

If the same person commits the offence for a second time, the punishment will 
be enhanced to up to 12 years' imprisonment and a fine of Taka 1.5 million.

The ordinance also provides for up to five years' imprisonment for 
possessing, without permission, any trophy, meat or body parts of a tiger or 
elephant.

Restrictions in Sanctuaries and Protected Areas: The ordinance makes it 
mandatory to consult local communities when defining the boundaries of 
wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. No commercial establishments or 
brick kilns can be set up within two kilometres of a protected area.

Inside sanctuaries, activities such as cultivation, extraction of mineral 
resources, setting fires, and introducing invasive foreign plant species are 
completely prohibited. However, special provisions have been made to 
compensate forest-dependent communities for exercising their traditional 
rights and livelihoods.

The ordinance introduces provisions to preserve ancient trees, heritage 
trees, sacred trees, and traditional groves ('Kunjaban'), which serve as 
critical habitats for wildlife. No one can destroy these trees or forests 
except in cases of life-saving necessity. Violation of this provision carries 
a maximum of six months' imprisonment or a fine of Taka 50,000.

The ordinance also states that posting advertisements for wildlife trade on 
social media or sharing videos showing cruelty to wildlife is a punishable 
offence. Furthermore, possessing, buying or selling any wildlife or trophies 
(including skin, bones, teeth, etc.) without a license or possession 
certificate is strictly prohibited.

To support wildlife rescue, care, and conservation, the government will 
establish a Wildlife Trust Fund. To prevent wildlife trafficking, a strong 
Wildlife Crime Control Unit comprising police, customs, and Border Guard 
Bangladesh (BGB) will operate at airports, land ports, and seaports. 

A scientific committee will also be formed to resolve legal complexities 
related to wildlife and will act as the national authority for CITES matters.