S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir,  Sundarbans 

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, will be closed for three months—from June 1 to August 31—to protect fish breeding and wildlife movement in its rivers, canals, and forest areas. During this period, all types of access including tourism, general public movement, and fishing in rivers and canals will be strictly prohibited.

According to the Forest Department, based on recommendations from the Integrated Resources Management Plan (IRMP), fishing in the Sundarbans' rivers and canals was prohibited for two months (July and August) each year since 2019. In coordination with the Fisheries Department, this ban was extended to three months from June 1 in 2022.

Imran Ahmed, a forest officer from the Khulna region, said June to August is the peak breeding season for fish in the Sundarbans. Most fish species release eggs during this time, and it's also the mating season for various wild animals. He added that the absence of tourists and fishermen during these three months helps protect the forest’s biodiversity and wildlife. The Forest Department is fully prepared to enforce the restrictions strictly, ensuring that no tourist, fisherman, woodcutter (bawali), honey collector (mawali), or poacher can enter the forest. All forest stations and patrol units will remain on duty around the clock. Anyone violating this law and entering the forest illegally will face legal action under forest laws.

The Bangladeshi portion of the Sundarbans spans 6,017 square kilometers, with water bodies covering 1,874.1 square kilometers—31.15% of the area. The forest is home to around 289 terrestrial species, 42 species of mammals, 35 reptiles, 8 amphibians, and about 219 species of aquatic life including fish.

A visit to the banks of the Kapotakkho and Shakbaria rivers in Khulna’s Koyra upazila revealed hundreds of fishing boats anchored along the riverbanks, having returned from the forest. Some boats were being repaired, and others remained in the forest for a few more days under valid permits. Forest officials have started loudspeaker announcements in villages informing locals about the closure starting June 1.

Fishermen are urging the government to quickly implement the promised rice distribution as alternative food support during the closure.

Kamrul Islam, a fisherman from Pathorkhali village near the Sundarbans, said:
"Starting June 1, the Sundarbans will be closed for 92 days. While fishermen who fish in the sea receive government support during the ban, those depending on the Sundarbans receive nothing. With rising prices of everything, life will be extremely difficult if the government doesn’t help."

The Forest Department confirmed that about 12,000 boats hold valid Boat License Certificates (BLCs) to enter the Sundarbans, with roughly 3,000 boats per range. In the Khulna range alone—covering Baniakhali, Kashiabadh, Nolian, and Kalabogi stations—there are around 2,900 such boats, all of which will be barred from entering the forest during the 92-day ban.

According to the Koyra Upazila Fisheries Office, there are 13,526 registered fishermen in the area. However, locals claim the real number is much higher, with about 50,000 families in five unions of Koyra depending entirely on the Sundarbans for fishing and crab collection.

Khulna Divisional Forest Officer Z. M. Hasanur Rahman said, we are trying to arrange alternative food support for marginal fishermen and forest-dependent people during this three-month closure. A proposal to provide 40 kg of rice per family per month has been sent. The list of eligible families has been prepared, and we are awaiting the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s approval and funding from the Finance Ministry.”

Strict action against poison fishing and illegal hunting : 

Forest-based communities have alleged that during the closure in past years, powerful fish traders and syndicates, with the help of corrupt forest officials, illegally entered the forest to catch fish using poison and hunted deer. They would dry the poisoned fish inside the forest and sell them later. Former Assistant Forest Conservator of the Satkhira Range, Iqbal Hasan Chowdhury, was accused of allowing thousands of boats into the forest illegally by collecting BDT 2,000 per boat weekly during the closure. Furthermore, BLC renewal fees were raised illegally from the official BDT 34 to BDT 1,000.

When journalist Sirajul Islam exposed these irregularities in the media, he faced threats and an alleged murder attempt by middlemen linked to forest officials. Following his appeal to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Climate and Environment Advisor, action was taken, and several forest officials—including Iqbal Hasan Chowdhury and Kadamtala Station Officer Asaduzzaman—were removed.

Shyamnagar Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Tushar Majumder said there are 23,178 registered fishermen in the area, and the Forest Department has details of those active in the Sundarbans. He assured that government support would reach the fishermen on time during the ban.

Kadamtala Station Officer Solaiman Hossain confirmed that all river and canal fishing, as well as tourism, will be prohibited from June 1. No passes or permits will be issued, and the department will remain on high alert against wildlife hunting and poison fishing.

Satkhira Range Assistant Forest Conservator Mashiur Rahman said all types of entry into the Sundarbans will be banned from June 1 to August 31. The forest guards, including special Smart Teams, will remain vigilant to prevent illegal activities. He also requested cooperation from the media during this period.

Madhujit Ratan, President of the Shyamnagar Fishermen's Association, said the government’s aid is too minimal for poor forest-dependent communities. He urged the government to provide financial support per family member or create alternative employment options. Otherwise, the desperate need for food will force people to break the law and enter the forest.

He added, if the government bans Sundarbans entry for three months, it must consider the survival of coastal forest communities. The 40 kg of rice per month doesn’t even last a week for many families. Unless proper financial aid or alternative livelihoods are arranged, poor people will inevitably risk entering the forest illegally.”

He emphasized that if the government fails to address these livelihood issues, there will be growing tension between coastal representatives, forest communities, and the Forest Department.