Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 15, 2026 (BSS) - Forest guards and officials deployed in the Sundarbans will remain on duty during the upcoming Eid holidays to prevent deer poaching, illegal fishing using poison and possible forest fires.

Forest Department sources said a red alert has been issued across forest areas under the eastern division to ensure heightened vigilance during the festive period.

Officials said organised poaching gangs often attempt to hunt deer and other wildlife in the forest during Eid each year. Some unscrupulous fishermen also catch fish by applying poison in canals and rivers inside the mangrove forest.

In addition, forest fires frequently occur in different parts of the Sundarbans between March and May, posing a serious threat to its fragile ecosystem.

On March 22 last year, a fire broke out in the Teisherchila and Kolmatheji areas under the Chandpai Range of the eastern Sundarbans, damaging a large stretch of forest vegetation.

Considering these risks, forest guards and officials have again voluntarily decided not to take leave during the Eid holidays this year.

To implement the decision, forest guards have already begun awareness campaigns among communities living around the Sundarbans to help prevent forest fires.

Patrol operations inside the forest have also been intensified.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the eastern Sundarbans division in Bagerhat, Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, said forest guards have chosen to remain on duty during Eid to maintain round-the-clock vigilance against wildlife poaching, fish poisoning and potential forest fires.

He said forest guards also refrained from taking leave during Eid last year to ensure strict monitoring.

The DFO added that instructions have already been issued to strengthen patrol activities to capture offenders, while a high alert remains in force across the eastern division of the Sundarbans.

Conservator of Forest of Khulna Region Imran Ahmed told BSS that, like last year, forest guards have decided not to take leave during the Eid holidays.

However, he added that leave may be granted in emergency situations if necessary.