High alert in the Sundarbans during Eid holidays

A high alert has been declared in the Sundarbans in Bagerhat to protect the forest's flora and fauna ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. To tackle wildlife poaching, fishing using poison, and the risk of fire, forest department officials and employees will not leave their workplaces even during the extended Eid holidays, reports The Bangladesh Pratidin. 
According to the forest department, poaching rings attempt to hunt deer and other wildlife in the Sundarbans every year during Eid. Additionally, a segment of unscrupulous fishermen tries to catch fish using poison. Furthermore, fire incidents occur at various locations in the forest between March and May.
Last year on March 22, a fire set by criminals in the areas of the Chandpai Range burnt down trees across a vast area of the Sundarbans. 
According to the report of The Daily Jugantor, the decision that no one will leave workplace has been made to the officers and employees of the West Sundarbans. Consequently, no one will be permitted to leave their respective workplaces from March 16 to March 25. This year, they will have to spend Eid in the solitary forest without their families.
Patrolling activities in the Sundarbans have already been intensified. Forest guards are also conducting awareness campaigns in various areas adjacent to the Sundarbans. Initiatives have also been taken to raise awareness about fire prevention in mosques during prayer times.
Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the East Sundarbans Division, said to the media, forest guards will not avail themselves of the long Eid holidays this year to ensure round-the-clock duty to prevent wildlife poaching, stop fishing with poison, and avert forest fires.
He added that instructions have been given to further strengthen patrolling activities by forest guards to control forest crimes during this time.
Furthermore, besides intensifying patrolling during the holiday period compared to normal times, strict surveillance has also been ordered. To prevent any miscreants from entering the forest and engaging in criminal activities during the holidays, state-of-the-art speedboats and fiberglass boats have been kept ready in the ranges. Additionally, wooden trawlers and engine-powered boats belonging to the respective offices are also available.
Md. Shariful Islam, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) of Khulna Range, said to the Daily Jugantor, patrol activities in the forest have been intensified ahead of Eid. Various directives have already been given to the officers-in-charge of respective stations and patrol posts through an emergency meeting at the range office. Efforts are underway to keep the entire Sundarbans under a security blanket this time. Smart patrolling along with foot patrols have been kept ongoing.