Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Aug 31, 2026 (BSS) - The Sundarbans is reopening to tourists and forest-dependent people after a three-month ban, with seven tourist vessels carrying more than 300 visitors scheduled to enter the forest on September 1 (tomorrow).

Hundreds of fishermen and other forest-dependent people are also preparing to enter the world’s largest mangrove forest after midnight tonight as the ban on fishing and tourism comes to an end.

The Forest Department, Bangladesh Coast Guard and RAB-6 have taken heightened security measures to ensure the safety of tourists, fishermen and other forest users.

Intelligence surveillance by the RAB and Coast Guard has also been strengthened to prevent criminal activities in the forest.

The Forest Department had imposed a ban on fishing in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans and on tourist movement from June 1 to August 31 to facilitate the breeding and conservation of fish and wildlife.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lt Commander BN Sabbir Alam Sujon said intelligence surveillance of active forest bandit groups was continuing and special operations were being conducted based on intelligence.

He said two special operations—“Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”—were being conducted under the leadership of the Coast Guard to eliminate forest bandit groups and ensure the security of fishermen, bawalis, honey collectors and other forest-dependent people.

RAB-6 Commander Nistar Ahmed said regular operations and intelligence activities would continue to keep the Sundarbans completely free of bandits and ensure the safety of visitors and forest-dependent communities.

He said 50 members of a forest bandit group had already surrendered and that details would be disclosed to journalists later.

Contacted, Forest Conservator of Khulna Region Imran Ahmed told BSS that only those who had previously obtained passes would initially be allowed to enter, while new passes and permits would be issued by the eastern and western forest divisions.