Forest safety starts with guard security

There is a popular saying in rural Bengal on the chest of gold jewellery. The question is, which is more valuable—the gold jewellery or the chest that holds it? This saying reflects the idea that if the chest is not secured, there is a risk of the jewellery being stolen. Similarly, in a country where forests are as valuable as gold, forest guards are just as important as the chest that holds the treasure. These guards risk their lives to protect the forest from thieves and poachers. However, if these guards are sent into the forest without any means of self-defense, it is like sending someone into a river filled with crocodiles and sharks with their hands tied.

According to a news report published last Thursday (January 16), forest-related crimes have increased in Teknaf. Despite the vastness of the forest in Teknaf, the number of forest guards is insufficient, and they are sent on patrol without any weapons for self-defense. These unarmed guards are like helpless sentinels, with no way to protect themselves from the dangers they face.

According to available information, the total forest area in Teknaf Upazila, Cox's Bazar, is 18,250 hectares. Due to the mountainous terrain, working in this forest is highly challenging. However, there are only 415 forest guards assigned to patrol this vast area, meaning each guard is responsible for monitoring 45 hectares of forest on average. As a result, preventing tree theft and other forest-related crimes has become increasingly difficult. On top of this, a new threat has emerged—kidnappings. According to law enforcement sources, at least 187 people have been kidnapped in Teknaf over the past year, most of whom were released after paying a ransom. Among the victims are forest guards themselves. Consequently, those responsible for forest protection and crime control are now living in fear.

Forest guards report that kidnappings are most common in areas like Huayking, Jadimura, Leda, Mouchini, Nature Park, Rajarchara, Baharchara, and Shilkhali in Teknaf. Areas such as Mathpara, Shyallaguna, Betbunia, Harboinnyarjora, Borochhara, Balurmath, hill TNT and BoroSangkhala are also hotspots for such incidents. A few days ago, 19 workers were kidnapped while working in the Jadimura forest. Since then, forest guards have been living in constant fear. The Range Officer of the Teknaf Forest Department told the media, "The forest has essentially become unsafe for our guards. It is the responsibility of law enforcement to launch operations to secure the forest. Otherwise, protecting the forest will become increasingly difficult."

We know that forests are an incredibly valuable natural resource. The importance of forest resources for nature, the environment, and ecological balance is immense. In this regard, the forests of the Teknaf region hold significance similar to that of the Sundarbans. Being coastal, these forests protect the southeast coastal population from many ocean storms. We do not want these forests to be destroyed by forest bandits. To save this forest from the hands of forest thieves, there is no alternative to forest protection. And to strengthen this protection, forest guards must be provided with self-defense tools. If necessary, they should be equipped with weapons to directly confront the bandits. Moreover, law enforcement agencies must always keep an eye on the forests. They should periodically patrol the forests as well. Ultimately, one thing must be kept in mind: if the safety of the forest guards is not ensured, the forest itself will not remain safe.