Two-month-long honey collection season in  the Sundarbans is set to begin tomorrow. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 31, 2026 (BSS) - The two-month-long honey collection season in 
the Sundarbans is set to begin tomorrow, with the Forest Department setting a 
target of collecting 1,100 quintals of honey this year.

Alongside honey, a target of 600 quintals of beeswax has also been set for 
the season, which will continue until June.

According to the Forest Department, a total of 854.5 quintals of honey and 
275.5 quintals of beeswax were collected in the 2024-25 seasons. 
During the period, 1,709 honey collectors, locally known as Mouals, entered 
the forest under 248 permits.
 
Like previous years, they [Mouals] will enter the forest in groups with 
official permits to collect honey.
 
However, many of them expressed concern over the increased activities of 
forest bandits, including incidents of extortion, abduction and harassment.

Abdur Razzaq, a Moual team leader from Gabura area of Shyamnagar upazila in 
Satkhira district, said his 12-member team is ready and will enter the forest 
with valid permits.
 
Several Mouals alleged that they are being forced to pay extortion money of 
up to Taka 10,000 per person before entering the forest while in some cases 
multiple groups demand money separately.

Mouals also said that although they have long been accustomed to facing risks 
from wild animals such as the Bengal tiger and crocodiles, the fear of forest 
bandits has now become a greater concern.

Some Mouals said many of their colleagues are reluctant to go to the forest 
this year due to security concerns, which may reduce the number of 
participants compared to previous seasons.

According to Forest Department data, honey collection has fluctuated in 
recent years, with 4,463 quintals collected in 2021, 3,008 quintals in 2022, 
2,825 quintals in 2023, 3,183 quintals in 2024 and 2,076 quintals in 2025.

Local sources alleged that illegal honey collection has already started ahead 
of the official season. Some dishonest individuals are reportedly entering 
the forest with fishing permits and collecting honey from immature hives, 
selling it in wholesale markets at Taka 1,200-1,300 per kilogram. 
Experts said such practices disrupt the reproduction of bees and harm the 
ecosystem, which may reduce honey production in the future.

Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Md Mashiur Rahman of Satkhira Range 
said all preparations have been completed for the season and necessary 
instructions have been given to ensure the safety of Mouals.

He said security measures, including increased patrols and monitoring in 
vulnerable areas, have been strengthened in coordination with the Coast 
Guard.

He also said State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh 
Faridul Islam is expected to inaugurate the honey collection activities this 
year.

Talking to BSS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the West Sundarbans 
Division AZM Hasanur Rahman said the Satkhira Range accounts for the highest 
honey collection in the forest and permission has been given to collect honey 
from 114 compartments in the range.

He said two to three camps have been set up and joint patrols involving the 
Forest Department, Coast Guard and RAB have been intensified to ensure 
security.

Despite these measures, Mouals said the risks remain high, as honey 
collection in the Sundarbans has never been risk-free due to wildlife and 
harsh environmental conditions.

Forest officials, however, expressed hope that the target will be achieved if 
weather conditions remain favourable, which will contribute to government 
revenue and support the livelihoods of thousands of Moual families.