The mighty Royal Bengal Tiger the heartbeat of the Sundarbans has roared a little louder this year.
In a much-needed glimmer of hope for wildlife conservationists and nature lovers, Bangladesh announced that the tiger population in the Sundarbans has risen to 125, marking an increase of 19 over the last decade.
This was revealed on Monday, 29 July, during a special event at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon to commemorate World Tiger Day 2025.
This year’s theme, “Harmonious Coexistence Between Humans and Tigers,” felt particularly fitting, as speakers celebrated progress while urging stronger protection efforts to preserve the endangered species and their fragile forest home.
A Decade of Determined Effort
“In 2014, we had 106 tigers in the Sundarbans. The 2018 census showed 114. Today, in 2024, we are proud to share that number has reached 125,” announced Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, as he addressed the audience with a note of pride and caution.
The announcement was not just about numbers. It was a testament to years of surveillance, habitat preservation, anti-poaching operations, and the relentless dedication of forest officials and local communities.
But even as applause filled the room, the tone quickly shifted. The celebration, speakers reminded everyone, comes with warnings.
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Poaching, Habitat Loss Still Loom Large
Wildlife expert Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, former principal of Dubai Safari Park, reminded the audience that tigers are only as safe as their surroundings.
“Tigers can’t survive without a healthy ecosystem. Their lives depend on the deer population and undisturbed habitat,” he said. “If we lose the forest, we lose the tiger.”
Poaching, illegal logging, and encroachment continue to gnaw away at the Sundarbans’ resilience. Though tiger numbers are up, their habitat already threatened by climate change and rising sea levels remains in jeopardy.
A National Emblem, A Cultural Icon
Joining virtually as the chief guest, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, delivered a moving address that connected the tiger’s plight with Bangladesh’s national identity.
“The Royal Bengal Tiger is not just a wild animal. It is a national symbol of courage and pride,” she said. “Even our cricket team carries the tiger’s name, it’s who we are.”
She emphasized that conservation must go beyond symbolic appreciation. “We must strengthen action against poachers and wildlife traffickers. We need long-term, community-based strategies to reduce human dependency on the forest.”
She also raised concerns over rising human-tiger conflict in fringe areas, calling for social safety nets and alternative livelihoods for those who rely on forest resources for survival.
From Forest to Policy- A Call to Action
Also present at the event was Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who echoed the urgency to protect what is left of the tigers’ home.
Other speakers included:
•Md Anwarul Islam, CEO of WildTeam and former Dhaka University professor
•Bipasha Hossain, IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative
•M A Aziz, professor at Jahangirnagar University
•Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Khulna Region
•Md Sanaullah Patwari, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation
They emphasized the importance of research, data-backed policymaking, and grassroots awareness to tackle the interconnected challenges of wildlife trafficking, forest fires, illegal deer hunting, and climate change.
New Tools, New Hope
To support ongoing conservation efforts, two important publications were launched:
“Guidelines for Managing Conflict-Prone Tigers in the Sundarbans”
Tigers of the Sundarbans
These documents aim to equip forest officers, researchers, and local communities with better tools and understanding to prevent conflict, ensure tiger safety, and strengthen coexistence strategies.
The event concluded with traditional Pot songs by local artists are soulful ballads celebrating the mystery of the mangroves, the grace of the tiger, and the age-old relationship between people and the forest.
Can We Keep the Roar Alive?
While the number 125 brings cautious optimism, it also highlights the fine line between recovery and relapse.
In a world where wildlife habitats are vanishing faster than they can be protected, every tiger counts and every effort matters.
Experts say the path forward must include:
•Cracking down on poaching networks
•Protecting prey populations
•Investing in climate-resilient forest management
•Building livelihood alternatives for forest-dependent communities
•Educating the next generation to value coexistence
The tiger’s rise is not just a story of numbers, but a symbol of what is possible when people, policy, and passion come together.
Let us not forget a stronger Sundarbans means a safer future, not just for the tiger, but for the millions of people who call this region home.
As the event ended, an elder from a nearby Sundarbans village shared a quiet reflection:
“When the tiger roars at night, we used to be afraid. But now, we are afraid not to hear it.”
And perhaps, that is the true measure of success when the fear of losing becomes greater than the fear of facing. When coexistence is no longer a goal, but a way of life.
Let the tiger live. Let the forest breathe. Let the roar never fade.
Source: TBS
