Forest Department files case against man for destroying bird colony in Bogura
Photo Collected
BOGURA, Bangladesh — The Forest Department has filed a formal case against a resident of Bogura’s Sherpur Upazila following the destruction of a prominent bird colony, which resulted in the death of migratory Asian openbill chicks and the loss of numerous eggs.
The case was registered at Sherpur Police Station by Forest Range Officer Md. Salahuddin Parvez. The accused has been identified as Azahar Ali, a resident of Ramnagar village in the Garidaha Union.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred last Saturday when the accused sold seven trees—including olive and pitraj varieties—situated on his land to timber traders. The subsequent felling of these trees destroyed nesting grounds, killing multiple chicks and crushing eggs. The incident gained widespread attention after images of the destruction circulated on social media, prompting an investigation by local law enforcement and environmental officials.
Sub-Inspector Shahadat Hossain of Sherpur Police Station, who is leading the investigation, stated that the charges were filed under Section 41(4) of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act. If convicted, the accused faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 taka, or both. Sherpur Police Inspector (Investigation) Zainul Abedin confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the accused.
Divisional Forest Officer Matlubur Rahman, who inspected the site following reports of the incident, noted that Ramnagar has served as a vital sanctuary for birds since 2014, earning it the local designation of a “Bird Colony.”
Environmental advocacy groups report that the village hosts approximately 500 trees that provide shelter to between 1,500 and 2,000 birds. Beyond the migratory Asian openbill, the colony supports at least 15 to 20 other avian species. Forest officials indicated that the legal action was initiated following a directive from the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure the protection of the remaining habitat.
0%
0%
0%
0%
