Protecting Sundarbans essential for tiger conservation

Dhaka : Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for stronger efforts to protect the Sundarbans, saying the survival of Bengal tigers depends on conserving the country's largest mangrove forest.

"Conserving tigers means conserving the Sundarbans. If the Sundarbans is not protected, there will be no tiger," Mintoo said at an event held at Ban Bhaban in Dhaka marking Global Tiger Day 2026.

The event was organized by the Bangladesh Forest Department in collaboration with IUCN Bangladesh.

Mintoo said protecting tiger habitats is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, describing the Bengal tiger as a key species that helps preserve the forest's food chain. He noted that the Sundarbans is now Bangladesh's only remaining natural habitat for the animal.

Highlighting government conservation initiatives, the minister said a National Green Mission has been launched to protect forests, wildlife, biodiversity, and the environment. The minister said the government is preparing a 10-year integrated resource management plan for the Sundarbans covering 2026-2035 and is also developing a National Tiger Recovery Program.

He said, tiger numbers in the Sundarbans have increased due to conservation measures taken by the Forest Department.