During an event marking International Forest Day in Mongla, environmentalists stressed on pollution control and strict measures against wildlife crimes as essential to protect the Sundarbans.

They expressed concerns over the growing threats to the world's largest mangrove forest, including rampant deer poaching, river pollution from toxic chemicals, and coal-induced contamination from the Rampal power plant, warning that if deforestation and destructive projects are not halted, the Sundarbans may face irreversible damage.

The programme, held today at the mangrove forest of Mongla Government College, called for an immediate ban on the use of poison in rivers and canals, an end to deer poaching, and the cancellation of all forest-destroying projects. The demonstration was organised by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhora), Sundarban Rokkhay Amra, Pashur River Waterkeeper, and Service Bangladesh.

Addressing the event, Md Noor Alam Sheikh, coordinator of Sundarban Rokkay Amra and Pashur River Waterkeeper, said, "The Sundarbans shield us from natural disasters, but who will protect the Sundarbans? In some areas, unscrupulous fish traders set the forest on fire during the summer to serve their own interests. The forest is suffering under the burden of encroachment and pollution."

Environmental activist Mostafizur Rahman Milon, president of Service Bangladesh, added, "Coal, toxic chemicals, and plastic waste are devastating the Sundarbans' biodiversity. On International Forest Day, we must pledge to protect this invaluable natural resource."

Komola Sarkar, a leader of Dhora, echoed the concerns, saying, "If we fail to shut down the destructive Rampal power plant and prevent unchecked industrialisation in the buffer zone of the Sundarbans, we will not be able to save this forest."

The event was chaired by Md Noor Alam Sheikh and attended by other environmental activists, including Hasib Sardar, Idris Imon, Chhobi Hazra, Dollar Molla, Mehedi Hasan, Maruf Hawlader, and Nazmul Hossain.

With the growing threats of deforestation, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade, they urged the government to take immediate steps to safeguard the Sundarbans and prevent further destruction of this vital ecosystem.