Two Barguna District Jail wardens are accused of hunting birds with an airgun in town, prompting public outrage and calls for strict legal and departmental action.
Two wardens from Barguna District Jail in southern Bangladesh have come under scrutiny for allegedly hunting birds with an airgun in the town centre and surrounding areas on Monday morning, December 29. The incident occurred on a foggy winter morning when the streets of Barguna municipality lay unusually quiet.
The incident has sparked outrage among local communities and environmentalists, highlighting concerns about accountability when law enforcement personnel violate the regulations they are tasked to uphold.
According to eyewitnesses, the sudden crack of an airgun shattered the calm. The victims were defenceless birds, one of which was fatally struck on Abdul Qader Road, a central area in Ward 6. Several others were killed and collected into a bag, reportedly containing at least 25 birds.
The accused have been identified as Md. Hafizur Rahman, a jail warden, and Md. Rafiqul Islam, an assistant chief warden. Journalists from Somoy TV witnessed the hunting firsthand. When approached, both allegedly fled the scene on a motorcycle, carrying the airgun and the bag of dead birds.
Local residents say these jail officials frequently hunt birds, especially during winter. Rafiqul Islam had previously been caught hunting with an airgun and had publicly promised not to repeat the act, a pledge he appears to have broken.
Bangladesh’s Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act strictly prohibits hunting birds and other wildlife. Local environmental activist Mushfiq Arif said, “These individuals are law enforcers themselves. Their actions demand not just legal punishment but also temporary suspension to set an example. Those entrusted with upholding the law must face stricter consequences when they break it.”
Barguna District Jail Superintendent Md. Anwar Hossain confirmed that he had received reports of the incident and assured that legal action would be taken against the wardens.
Somoy TV reporter Md. Saiful Islam Miraz described the incident: “While on duty, I saw two men hunting birds with an airgun. Hafizur Rahman held one bird and Rafiqul Islam had the airgun. When we asked them to stop, Hafizur dropped the bird and fled on a motorcycle. Rafiqul picked up the bird along with the airgun and left the scene. A bag on their motorcycle contained at least 25 dead birds.”
Another journalist, Joydeb Roy, emphasized that Rafiqul Islam had previously promised not to hunt again and called for strict legal and departmental action. Attempts to contact him were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off. Hafizur Rahman stated that he was on leave and only accompanied Rafiqul during the incident. Authorities have since filed departmental action and the airgun has been confiscated.
Barguna Forest Department Range Officer Md. Akhtaruzzaman said he was not yet fully informed but assured that the accused would face legal consequences.
