Sundarbans entry closes for all for 3 months
The move aims to protect biodiversity, as fish spawn in the rivers and canals, wildlife, plants, seeds, June, August, the breeding season for many fish species, wildlife and plants
ATT Correspondent 
The Forest Department has imposed a three-month ban on all forms of entry into the Sundarbans from 1 June to 31 August to protect the world's largest mangrove forest during its critical breeding season.
Under the restriction, tourists, fishermen, honey collectors (mawalis), woodcutters (bawalis) and other forest-dependent people will not be allowed to enter the Sundarbans. No permits or passes will be issued during the period.
Forest officials said the annual closure is aimed at protecting biodiversity, as June to August marks the breeding season for many fish species, wildlife and plants. Fish spawn in the rivers and canals, wildlife reproduce, and new plants emerge from seeds during this time.
According to the Forest Department, limiting human activity helps ensure an undisturbed environment, allowing fish stocks, wildlife populations and vegetation to regenerate naturally.
Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone entering the forest in violation of the ban.
To enforce the restriction, the Forest Department, Coast Guard, Naval Police and Fisheries Department will conduct joint monitoring operations throughout the closure period.
While conservationists have welcomed the move, the ban is expected to affect thousands of families who depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods.
Jamal Hossain, a crab catcher from Burigoalini, said the three-month closure would create severe hardship for fishermen.
"For us, the closure of forest passes means losing our main source of income for three months," he said.
Another fisherman, Anisur Rahman, said many coastal families are forced to borrow money from NGOs during the annual closure to make ends meet.
Tourism operators are also facing losses. Ripon Gazi, who operates a tourist trawler at Nildumur, said the suspension of permits means no tourists can visit the Sundarbans during the period.
"Without tourists, we have no work and our families face serious financial difficulties," he said.
Forest Department officials said the Sundarbans will reopen to visitors and resource collectors on 1 September after the breeding season ends.
Officials added that discussions are underway regarding possible government assistance for forest-dependent communities affected by the temporary closure.
