Forty-nine Spectacled Cobras Rescued — A National Award for Rabby’s Green Bangla
Fazle Rabby from Natore received the National Wildlife Conservation Vigilance Award from the Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation (BBCF) for his exceptional contributions to wildlife protection.
On World Environment Day, renowned environmental activist Fazle Rabby from Natore was awarded the National Wildlife Conservation Award at the National Environment Fair. The honor was handed over by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Behind this national recognition lies a story of courage, vigilance, and unwavering dedication to wildlife preservation.
On August 12, 2020, an extraordinary incident unfolded in a village under Naldanga Upazila of Natore district. A man named Shahadat Hossain was found illegally keeping 49 venomous spectacled cobras in captivity. The presence of so many dangerous snakes in untrained hands sparked panic throughout the village. It was Fazle Rabby who first learned of the situation. Acting swiftly, he contacted the Department of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation. The team safely rescued the snakes and released them into a protected habitat, providing relief to the scared villagers.
This wasn’t a one-time incident. Over the years, Fazle Rabby’s tireless efforts have saved countless wild lives. He has rescued over 9,000 birds, along with 82 snakes, 5 monkeys, 1 vulture, 5 mongooses, 1 fishing cat, 18 jungle cats, 1 Nepali eagle, 5 native eagles, 28 turtles, and 2 peacocks. He has also confiscated and dismantled over 350 traps and nets used by wildlife poachers.
In addition to his direct rescue efforts, Fazle Rabby has served as a powerful advocate for awareness. He has planted 30,000 trees, distributed 130,000 awareness leaflets, and organized 180 loudspeaker campaigns to promote environmental awareness in rural communities.
At 32 years old, Fazle Rabby proudly represents Madhnagar Hajipara in Naldanga Upazilla, Natore District. His journey as a conservationist began in his student days. On 25, 2025, he serves as the Publicity Secretary of the Award for 2025.
Accepting the award on June 25 in Dhaka, Rabby stated, “I won’t stop until Naldanga is a completely safe haven for wildlife.” He founded a volunteer organization called “Sabuj Bangla” (Green Bengal), involving local men, women, and children. Rabby is always the first to be informed and respond when wildlife is in danger near Halti Beel and nearby areas.
A visit to Bashbhag village on a Saturday morning reveals the result of his long-term vision. Rows of Bakul trees line the roadside, while mango and jackfruit trees thrive in the nearby madrasa compound. Local residents report that trees planted by Rabby over ten years ago are now flowering and bearing fruit, offering food and shelter for local birds.
Humayun Rashid, Forest and Environment Secretary of Sabuj Bangla, stated that Rabby’s efforts have inspired many villagers to plant trees. BBCF founder and forest conservator Molya Rezaul Karim, who previously worked in the Rajshahi division, encouraged young people to create grassroots groups for environmental protection during his tenure. “It is thanks to leaders like Rabby that many wild species have survived,” he said. “Despite receiving no government support, these volunteers are devoting their time, money, and energy. This national award is not just a recognition—it is a source of strength and hope.
Fazle Rabby’s story is not just about a village or a single conservationist. It symbolizes a broader movement—where one person’s sense of responsibility can shape the future of nature.
