Dhaka, Oct 26 (V7N) — Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the draft of the new Wildlife Conservation and Security Act proposes to make offences non-bailable, as part of tougher measures to protect the country’s wildlife.

She made the remarks while addressing a program marking International Freshwater Dolphin Day 2025, held at the Forest Department building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday. During the event, Wildlife Conservation Society Country Director Md. Jahangir Alam presented the findings of the Freshwater Dolphin Survey 2024–25.

Rizwana Hasan said, “In the new draft of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, we have proposed that offences be made cognizable and non-bailable. The draft is yet to be finalized and submitted to the Cabinet.”

The current Wildlife Act, enacted in 2012, only makes offences under Section 36—which deals with the killing of tigers and elephants—non-bailable. Other offences are bailable or commutable upon payment of compensation.

The advisor noted that environmental crimes, such as the killing of dolphins, deserve the same legal gravity as those involving other endangered species. “It is our misfortune that we have to live in fear even of the things that give us peace,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of clean water for dolphin conservation, Rizwana added, “If dolphins are to live in clean water, a civilized nation must also live beside clean water. A country cannot claim to be civilized while polluting its rivers — these two cannot coexist.”

END/SMA/AJ