Despite a three-month entry ban in the Sundarbans imposed from 1 June to protect biodiversity, organised deer poachers continue their illegal activities, undeterred by heavy rainfall or forest department patrols.
In the past month alone, the Forest Department has conducted 11 operations in the Eastern Sundarbans, recovering over 2,000 deer traps and detaining several poachers. Their camps, known as tongghars, have also been destroyed.
On 8 July, 137 traps were recovered from the forest near the Baleshwar River. In previous days, hundreds more were seized from various locations including Katalar Khal, Dimerchar, and Kokilmoni. Notably, poacher Ariful Islam Dulal was caught red-handed on 30 June, and later, ring-leader Nasir Fakir was arrested by police.
The traps, called mala, are circular nooses made from strong rope and set in deer pathways. Forest officials have stressed the need for more personnel and firearms, like shotguns, to effectively combat poachers.
According to the IUCN’s 2023 report, the Sundarbans now hold approximately 136,604 deer—an increase of over 53,000 since 2004. However, continued poaching poses a serious threat. DFO Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury urged public cooperation, warning that the illegal trade thrives due to consumer demand for venison.
