Ensure hospitality for migratory birds

When winter arrives, migratory birds fly into our country. They come from thousands of miles away, from places like North Hampshire in England, from Siberia. To escape the harsh cold, they migrate to the relatively warmer southern countries for about three months. They come and build their nests in our wetlands.

The lakes on the Jahangirnagar University campus, the lake at the Mirpur Zoo, the Durga Sagar in Barisal, the Nil Sagar in Nilphamari, Hura in Sirajganj, and the Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj are favored vacation spots for these migratory birds. The wetlands of Bangladesh are their preferred places, offering a safe haven. For several years now, migratory birds have also been settling in places like Nijhum Island, Dubla Char, and Kutubdia during the winter.

According to ornithologists, the highest number of migratory birds arrive in Bangladesh during December and January. Experts note that a decade ago, over a hundred species of migratory birds would come to this country. Now, only about 20-25 species arrive. The reason for this decline is the reduction in the number of wetlands, the decrease in food sources for the birds in these wetlands, and the impacts of climate change, which have made the region less favorable for the birds. However, migratory birds didn’t just bring beauty and diversity with them; they also brought many elements essential for maintaining natural balance.

But we have not been able to properly host these migratory birds. There was a time when these birds were captured and sold in the markets for consumption. Though the capture of migratory birds has decreased somewhat due to the imposition of restrictions and punitive measures, it cannot be said that this practice has completely stopped. In many remote areas, migratory birds are still caught, sold in markets, and consumed. Migratory birds can no longer stay in this country as guests without facing disturbances.

A certain group of people is hunting them. Due to deforestation, the birds that once found refuge in the forests are losing interest in coming to this country. Therefore, in addition to stopping bird hunting, attention must be paid to ensuring that birds can roam freely and safely.

The decline in the number of migratory birds points directly to environmental disasters. It’s not just the migratory birds; the number of birds in Bangladesh is decreasing day by day.

Dhaka city can be considered nearly birdless. However, birds play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. The government should pay special attention to the issue of the dwindling bird population. If we fail to create a bird-friendly environment, we will face a massive crisis. We must ensure a safe environment for all birds, including migratory birds. If birds cannot survive, one day, we will no longer be able to sustain ourselves in this environment.