Case filed against four over killing of 400 mynas in Natore

The Forest Department has filed a case against four individuals over the trapping and killing of nearly 400 myna birds in Naldanga, Natore. The complaint was filed on Sunday (July 26) night by Zahidul Islam, the in-charge officer (Forest Ranger) of Rajshahi Social Forestry Division, at Naldanga Police Station under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act.

The case statement claimed that the incident caused approximately Tk 10 lakh in environmental damage.

The accused are: Biplab Talukdar (35), Md Ashik (24), Md Islam (26) and Md Sajib (32) of Hatbila village in the upazila.

According to the case statement, on July 19, the accused used noose traps and various other traps to hunt the birds in the Hatbila wetland. The incident was reportedly carried out for the purpose of consuming bird meat. While the matter initially remained under wraps, it came to light after a video of the bird hunting went viral on social media platform Facebook. The Forest Department launched an investigation after the matter came to their attention.

Zahidul Islam, in-charge officer of Rajshahi Social Forestry Division, said, "We learned of the incident and verified the facts through local inquiry. This case has been filed to bring the accused under the law."

In the case statement, he noted that birds play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, controlling harmful pests and pollinating plants. The accused's actions have caused approximately Tk 10 lakh in damage to the environment and wildlife.

Naldanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Nure Alam confirmed the filing of the case and told Dhaka Post that the complaint is being investigated and necessary legal action will be taken against the accused.