Bangladesh News

A devastating forest fire swept through Chandpai range near Nangli Forest Office in the Sundarbans destroying trees and animal habitat in almost 250 acres of the jungle on Monday.
The fire started around 4:00pm Monday and was eventually brought under control around 11:30pm with the help of forest guards and local people.

The fire-affected area is under the east wing of Sundarbans Forest Division of Dakop upazila in Bagerhat district.

The origin of the fire could not be known but sources in the forest division said the fire could have started from a small fire which bawalis (honey collectors) make to smoke out bees.

However, bawalis and fishermen of Chandpai range alleged that the forest officials neglected their duties and made unnecessary delays in reaching the spot, which is only 25 kilometres away from Mongla upazila.

No officials of the east wing of Sundarbans Forest Division could be contacted for their comments despite repeated attempts. However, an employee of the east wing of Sundarbans Forest Division requesting anonymity said the officials of the division heard about the fire yesterday morning and rushed to the spot.

This is the third fire incident in eight months in the mangrove forest.