In an act of mass expiation, dozens of activists organized an event on Monday in Bangladesh, offering a mass apology to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, for deforestation and other damages, in an attempt to raise awareness about the wanton destruction of the environment. The event was organized on Sundarban Day by environment groups in Dhangmari, a wildlife sanctuary in the southwestern district of Begerhat. Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (BAPA) along with other groups, participated in the event with the help of locals.

Mohammad Noor Alam Sheikh, the district convener of BAPA, presided over the mass apology and stressed that deforestation is threatening Sundarbans' biodiversity. It must be stopped by people and the government in order for sustainable development.

Recognized as the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Sundarbans also form the interface between land and sea, thus are crucial for protecting coastal areas from natural calamities. Over the years, the deforestation of Sundarbans has emerged as one of the top concerns for Bangladesh.

Unplanned industrialization, coal-oil carrying vessels capsizing in the Pashur river, waste and plastic pollution are among several factors, threatening the extinction of wildlife such as tigers, deer, birds, dolphins, fossil fuels, climate change, and felling trees.

The event was organized to raise awareness among people as well as policymakers about the disastrous consequences of continued deforestation, resulting in erosion of coasts at an alarming rate. 

The Sundarbans, which also serve as an important source of carbon sink, provide a livelihood to millions in Bangladesh and are home to over 840 species of wild animals and 334 plant species. 

In the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans spans mangrove forests intersected by multiple tidal streams and channels. from the Hooghly river in India's state of West Bengal to the Baleswar river in Bangladesh.

(SAM)