Urgent Call to Save the Sundarbans

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for effective enforcement of constitutional and legal obligations, especially environmental laws, to protect the country’s biodiversity and environment. The Bangladesh chapter of the Berlin-based organisation pleaded to the government and other stakeholders for taking swift measures to save the Sundarbans. On World Environment Day TIB noted that Bangladesh will survive if the Sundarbans survive and said, “This natural reserve has been permanently put at risk by setting up various industrial establishments, including coal-based power plants.” A total of 416,256 acres of forest land has been destroyed in the country since 1989, of which 158,031 hectares have been allotted to various government and non-government organisations and 268,256 acres of forest have been encroached. Due to rampant deforestation for commercial purposes, 39 species of wildlife have already become extinct in Bangladesh and about 30 more species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger are endangered.