The Forest Department will enforce a three-month ban on the entry on fishing and tourism starting tomorrow (1 June).
"To safeguard the forest's wildlife and support breeding, the Sundarbans will be off-limits until 31 August. Unauthorised entry will result in action," said Assistant Forest Conservator Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury.
Since 2019, the Sundarbans have been closed for two months starting July 1 each year. In 2022, the ban was extended to start from June 1, making it three months long.
In Satkhira, approximately 50,000 people depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihood. The ban is causing difficulties for those who rely on the Sundarbans.
Saiful Islam, a local fisherman, voiced concerns: "The next three months will be very tough. Our income from fishing and honey collecting is completely cut off."
District Commissioner Mohammad Humayun Kabir promised food aid through the Department of Fisheries but emphasized strict monitoring to prevent misuse of resources.
"Only genuine fishermen will receive assistance," he said.
