Online Desk  :  Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said fishing cats and all other endangered species must be protected from cruelty as this is not merely an issue of animal rights but a crucial step toward environmental protection. “Offenders must be held accountable and brought to justice,” she said at a discussion and award ceremony organized by the Forest Department on the occasion of World Fishing Cat Day 2025 on Saturday. “Killing fishing cats simply because they prey on poultry is unjust. If this continues, the species will face extinction. Raising public awareness is essential. Every species plays a role in nature and it is our responsibility to ensure their survival,” she said.

The adviser noted that Deputy Commissioners across the country are actively conducting awareness campaigns for fishing cat conservation. She stressed the need to engage law enforcement agencies while also involving genuine wildlife conservationists for more effective results. She urged the media to highlight the ecological importance of fishing cats. Besides, she called on Deputy Commissioners to promote wildlife conservation awareness in educational institutions. The adviser saud alongside legal measures, social awareness is key to fostering a culture of responsibility toward nature. “If we implement effective afforestation plans, we can overcome this crisis,” she added.

The event was graced by Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, as a special guest. The session was presided over by Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests. Speakers included Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, wildlife expert and former Principal Wildlife Specialist at Dubai Safari Park, and Mukit Majumder Babu, Chairman of the Nature & Life Foundation. The keynote paper was presented by Dr M Monirul H Khan, Professor of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University. Other speakers included Md. Fazle Rabbi, Lecturer of Zoology at Dhaka University, among others.