Exemplary action will be set up against the criminals of animal deaths: Environment Minister Bangladesh

Md. Shahab Uddin, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Bangladesh, has spoken about the recent incidence of wild animal killing while visiting the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh.

Stating an impartial investigation is going on, the environment minister said,” If anyone is found guilty or showing any negligence towards his duty, we will take exemplary action against him/them.”

“Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much committed to conserving forests and wildlife of our country. Therefore, if we find anyone guilty in charge or have shown the slightest negligence towards his duties, he will punish following the law. We will also ensure no occurrence of such events in the near future,” the Minister added.

Showing his grief over the incident, he continued and said, “The death of so many animals in such a short period is very pathetic. As I have tested positive for Covid-19, I could not immediately visit the Safari park on the spot.

But just after knowing the news of the death of 9 Zebras, I order to form an investigation committee. Accordingly, a five-member inquiry committee has formed on January 26 (2022) by convening Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik, Additional Secretary of MoEFCC.

The body parts have already been sent to various laboratories to determine the cause. Experts are analyzing the results. The safari park authorities have contacted experienced doctors outside the country to prevent such deaths of Zebras, as per the ministry’s instructions.”

“The investigation committee of the ministry has started its activities. The CID and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will co-operate in this.

The project director, officer-in-charge, and veterinary officer of the safari park have been withdrawn in the interest of impartial investigation by the inquiry committee,” the Minister informed.