Dbarta24 Report – In a major push to protect the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and secure its natural habitat, the Bangladesh government has established a dedicated 10-member commission.
The newly created body is tasked with preserving wildlife habitats, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, recovering illegally occupied forest areas, and launching community awareness campaigns across the Sundarbans region.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Abdul Awal Mintu, Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking International Tiger Day 2026 in the capital.
Surging Population Highlights Conservation Progress
Addressing the event, Minister Mintu reiterated the government’s firm commitment to protecting the world’s largest mangrove forest and its flagship species.
He noted that collaborative efforts between the Forest Department and local communities surrounding the forest have yielded promising results, leading to a steady rise in tiger numbers over recent years.
According to official camera-trapping census data:
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2015 Census: 106 tigers
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2018 Census: 114 tigers
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2024 Census: 125 tigers
Strengthening Habitat Security and Community Ties
Despite the positive trend, experts emphasize that human encroachment and habitat fragmentation remain critical threats to the Sundarbans ecosystem.
The new 10-member commission is expected to address these challenges head-on by reclaiming encroached forestland and fostering sustainable coexistence between the apex predator and nearby human settlements.
By prioritizing ecological restoration alongside community outreach, Bangladesh aims to secure long-term protection for its national pride, the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Direct Quotes from the Event
“The government is firmly committed to conserving the Royal Bengal Tiger and its natural habitat in the Sundarbans. Thanks to the continuous efforts of the Forest Department and the active cooperation of local residents, the tiger population in the Sundarbans is consistently increasing.”
— Abdul Awal Mintu, Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change