Forest officials rescued a protected jungle fowl from a market in Dighinala, Khagrachhari, and released it into nearby hills, urging public cooperation to stop illegal wildlife hunting and trade.
Bangladesh forest officials rescued a jungle fowl from a local market in Dighinala upazila of Khagrachhari district and later released it into its natural habitat in the nearby hill forest.
The bird was recovered during a raid at Boalkhali market around 11:00 am on Saturday by Assistant Range Officer Mohammad Zafar Ullah of Merung Range and Assistant Range Officer Abu Naim Mohammad Shahidul Alam of Hajachhara Range.
According to the Forest Department, the jungle fowl had been brought to the local market for sale. Acting on a tip-off, a team of forest officials conducted an operation and rescued the bird.
Later the same day at around 2:30 pm, the jungle fowl was released into a hill forest in Dighinala.
Abu Naim Mohammad Shahidul Alam, assistant range officer of Hajachhara Range, said the jungle fowl is a protected wild animal and an important part of the natural ecosystem. He urged people to refrain from capturing hunting or selling wildlife.
He also called on the public to inform the Forest Department immediately if they see wildlife being hunted or illegally traded.
Forest officials said the jungle fowl is listed as a protected species under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. Hunting capturing selling or buying such wildlife is a punishable offence under the law. Violators may face imprisonment a fine or both.
Officials also stressed that raising public awareness is crucial for wildlife conservation alongside law enforcement. They said protecting wildlife would not be possible without the cooperation of local communities and that awareness programmes and enforcement drives will continue.
