KHULNA, Feb 22, (V7N) - State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam today said the government will take stringent measures against piracy in the Sundarbans.

“A coordinated drive will begin soon to free the mangrove forest from pirates,” he told a view-exchange meeting on measures to prevent water piracy at the Khulna Circuit House Conference Hall. He added that the cabinet will take a decision in this regard shortly.

Expressing concern over the recent rise in unlawful activities, the state minister said law enforcement agencies have been instructed to implement anti-piracy measures strictly. “The government is determined to restore a sound and peaceful environment in the Sundarbans so that forest-dependent people can work safely,” he said.

He noted that pirates had resurfaced after taking advantage of the absence of authoritative action during the interim government. “If the situation persists, eco-tourism and the blue economy will face setbacks, and government revenue will also be at risk,” he warned.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Mokhtar Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner ASM Jamshed Khondokar, officials of the Forest Department, Coast Guard, RAB, Navy, BGB, and representatives of the tourism sector attended the meeting.

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