Md Abu Sufian ; Khulna – The custom-designed web thumbnail for this article has been generated below. It features the official
The Forest Department has imposed a three-month absolute ban on all entry into the Sundarbans, starting June 1, to safeguard the breeding season of wildlife, fisheries, and the overall biodiversity of the mangrove forest.
The restriction will remain in place until August 31. During this period, no forest-dependent professionals—including fishermen, honey collectors (Mouals), woodcutters (Bawalis), and nipa palm (Golpatta) gatherers—nor any domestic or foreign tourists will be permitted to enter the forest.
According to the Forest Department, the months of June, July, and August mark the core breeding season for most of the Sundarbans’ fish, crabs, shrimp, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Unrestricted human movement and resource extraction during this time disrupt the natural reproduction and growth cycles of both flora and fauna. Consequently, this annual three-month ban has been enforced since 2021 to preserve ecological balance.
Ecological Significance of the Ban
Imran Ahmed, the Conservator of Forests for the Khulna Region, highlighted the importance of this window. “During these three months, the rivers and canals within the forest serve as safe sanctuaries for various fish species to release their eggs,” he explained. “It is also a vital period for the germination of plant seeds and the growth of new saplings.”
He added that keeping the forest entirely uninterrupted by human activities—such as the movement of vessels, fishing noises, and tourist traffic—has an immensely positive impact on conserving the natural resources of the world’s largest mangrove forest.
To implement the ban strictly, the Forest Department announced that no entry passes or permits will be issued during this timeframe. Anyone attempting to trespass illegally will face legal actions under the Forest Act. Joint patrols will also be intensified by the Forest Department, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and the Department of Fisheries.
Concerns Over Forest-Dependent Livelihoods
While environmentalists view this initiative as a necessary step for conservation, it has brought immense uncertainty to thousands of families who rely heavily on the forest. Over 150,000 people depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods, including more than 12,000 registered fishing boats that enter the forest annually.
Local forest-dwellers have expressed deep anxiety over how they will survive the next three months without their primary source of income, noting that many are forced to take on high-interest loans just to buy food. They have urged the government to provide alternative employment opportunities and immediate food aid during the closure.
Shuvra Sachin, chief coordinator of the Sundarbans and Bangladesh Coastal Protection Movement, emphasized that climate change has already reduced the income of coastal communities in recent years. He urged the authorities to ensure adequate government food assistance alongside strict conservation efforts.