Mongla, July 30 (V7N) - On the occasion of International Tiger Day, a discussion titled "Save Sundarbans, Save Tigers" was held on Tuesday morning at the Mongla Upazila Auditorium. The event was organized by Dharti Rokkhay Amra (Dhara), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Pashur River Waterkeeper to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the Sundarbans, the habitat of the Bengal tiger, from the adverse effects of climate change and pollution.

Speakers highlighted that toxic water contamination is causing serious health problems among tigers, leading to their death. They urged strict action against those polluting rivers and canals in the Sundarbans and against tiger poachers. Preserving the Sundarbans is crucial to saving the tigers, and coordinated efforts and strategic plans are necessary for the protection of this endangered species.

The chief guest, Mohammad Shamimur Rahman, Agricultural Scientist and Research Secretary of the BNP Central Committee, emphasized that the tiger is a symbol of courage and pride for Bangladesh. He noted that the national cricket team’s official logo is the Bengal tiger, underlining its cultural significance. He stressed, “If the Sundarbans survive, the tigers will survive.”

Mohammad Nur Alam Sheikh, coordinator of Pashur River Waterkeeper and member of Dharti Rokkhay Amra’s central committee, reported that in the last 25 years, 30 tigers have died in the Sundarbans. Of these, only 10 died naturally, while 14 were killed by local conflicts. He called for peaceful coexistence and encouraged everyone to become friends of the tiger.

The event also included an award ceremony for a children's drawing competition on the theme of 'Tigers of the Sundarbans.' The awards were presented by Mohammad Shamimur Rahman.

Participants at the discussion included Upazila Social Services Officer S.M. Masud Rana, Press Club President Ahsan Habib Hasan, freedom fighter Sheikh Abu Hanif, businessman Md. Shah Alam Sheikh, Wild Team member Saiful Islam, Fishermen Association leader Abdur Rashid Hawladar, and environmental activists Hasib Sardar and Mehedi Hasan.

The program was moderated by Mohammad Nur Alam Sheikh.

Efforts to save the Sundarbans and its tigers require strong community involvement, effective monitoring of environmental violations, and strict enforcement against poachers to ensure the survival of this vital ecosystem and its majestic inhabitants.

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