Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent:

A rally and discussion meeting advocating the protection of the Sundarbans and the Royal Bengal Tiger was held in Mongla on Wednesday to observe World Tiger Day.

The program was jointly organized at Mithakhali Bazar by Dhara (Protecting the Earth), Pashur River Waterkeeper, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Badabon Sangho.

Speakers emphasized that protecting the Sundarbans is essential for ensuring the survival of the Royal Bengal Tiger. They noted that tiger populations have declined dramatically over the past century due to habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and illegal wildlife trafficking. According to the speakers, while around 100,000 tigers once roamed across 33 countries, only about 4,000 remain today in just eight countries.

The discussion was chaired by Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, Central Leader of Dhara and Pashur River Waterkeeper. The chief guest was Abdul Mannan Hawlader, President of Mongla Upazila BNP. Among the special guests were Sheikh Rustum Ali, Golam Rasul, Shah Alam Shipon, M. Rezaul Islam, Nazmul Haque, Jane Alam Babu, Molla Al Mamun, Moin Gazi, Arafat Durjoy, and environmental activist Mehedi Hasan.

The speakers urged the government to strengthen anti-poaching measures, stop illegal wildlife trafficking, implement the Tiger Action Plan effectively, and protect the Sundarbans from pollution and environmental degradation.

Before the discussion, a colorful awareness rally marched through Mithakhali and Chandpai Bazar areas. As part of the day's observance, a tiger awareness demonstration and a friendly football match were also scheduled for the afternoon.