Bangladesh forest sanctuary reports surge in illegal activity

Forest crime cases in Bangladesh’s Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary nearly quadrupled in one year as tree felling and land encroachment threatened a habitat rich in wildlife, Forest Department records show.

Authorities recorded 26 cases in fiscal 2025-26, up from seven the previous year and six in 2023-24. The 2,900-hectare sanctuary in Chattogram is home to 123 bird species, 33 mammal species, and 478 plant species.

Hazarikhil Range ranger Sikder Atikur Rahman said organized groups were grabbing forest land for orchards or structures and cutting timber for local sale. The range has 14 staff members against 32 authorized positions.

Five locally made firearms used for hunting were recovered in May. Conservator Mihir Kumar Doe said he would direct officials to address the staff shortage.