Deer poaching and hunting in the Sundarbans under Satkhira range have increased at an alarming rate as poachers become desperate, bringing a new threat to this vegetarian animal.
The biggest threat for the specie seems now to be humans after getting a relief from tiger attacks. These days they fall victims to traps and shooting by hunters.
In the current month, Forest Department and members of Bangladesh Coast Guard in their separate drives arrested two poachers and recovered three dead deer, three one-barrel pistols and a boat. However, their 'godfathers' remain out of touch.
According to the Forest Department information, the activities of forest robbers have decreased but the deer poaching gangs have become more active in the Sundarbans and its adjacent areas.
Venison (meat of deer) is regularly sold in the villages of Munshiganj, Koikhali, Bhetkhali, Jatindranagar and Moragang unions under Shyamnagar upazila, and the trend is being adapted day by day.
However, the Forest Department claimed that their drive against the deer poaching and hunting is on.
Locals said people do not hesitate to buy venison at Tk 500 to Tk 600 per kg as many like it.
Although the authorities have a list of deer hunters and meat traders, the administration does not take any action against them, allege locals.
There are allegations that poachers are doing their business managing a section of staff both at the Forest Department and the local administration.
A source wishing anonymity said a local millionaire and shrimp trader, who is known as the godfather of the deer hunters, often goes out for deer hunting in the Sundarbans by his own trawler.
Even he takes all the responsibilities if any deer hunter is arrested, claimed locals.
On July 9, a hunter-gang went in Chunkuri area of the Sundarbans for hunting deer, along with a sub-inspector and several constables of Shyamnagar police station, claimed the locals.
After the news of the incident spread over social media, a case was filed with Shyamnagar Police Station accusing six people, including Sattar Morol, UNB reported.
Rafiq Ahmed, a forest officer at Satkhira Range, said that no members of the forest department take bribes. "If any evidence is found, stern action will be taken against them," he added.
"Security measures have been strengthened by increasing patrol in the area," said the forest official adding, "We've recovered three dead deer and arrested two hunters."
Syed Mannan Ali, officer-in-charge of Shyamnagar Police station, said their drives against forest robbers and poachers will continue.
