Noted actress and animal rights activist Jaya Ahsan has called for the closure of zoos in Bangladesh, describing them as "prisons" for animals. Her statement came in response to a disturbing news report about a bear being kept in poor conditions at the mini zoo in Zainul Abedin Park, Mymensingh.

According to the report, the bear has developed severe rot on its body, part of its leg has already detached, and a foul smell is emanating from its wounds. Experts have stated that the chances of recovery are slim.

More recently, the "Debi" actress filed a writ petition in the High Court to stop the abuse of elephants. As a result of her legal intervention, the court suspended the issuing and renewal of licenses to adopt elephants from the wild.

Jaya, widely recognised for her unwavering stance on animal welfare, has long been vocal about the humane treatment of animals. In 2021, the People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation honoured her with the "Pranobik Bondhu" Award for her dedication to the cause.

Sharing the news on her Facebook page, Jaya wrote, "The zoo is the only prison in the world where the innocent are punished without committing a crime."

She added, "Let all the prisons called zoos around the world be shut down."

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Netizens have overwhelmingly supported her call, echoing her sentiments across social media.