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The interim government issued two ordinances related to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the protection of the country's biodiversity and wildlife.
The ordinance, Wildlife (Conservation and Protection) Ordinance, 2026, was published in the form of a gazette on Wednesday on the law ministry website after the president approved it.
On Tuesday, the Forest and Tree Conservation Ordinance 2026 was issued for the first time in the country. With this ordinance, the 'Wildlife (Protection and Protection) Act' of 2012 has been repealed.
These two new ordinances are a groundbreaking step in the conservation of the country's forest resources, wildlife and biodiversity, said a statement of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday.
"It is expected that this will strengthen environmental security and create a supportive system for preserving a safe nature for future generations," it added.
The Wildlife (Conservation and Protection) Ordinance has increased the punishment for the crime of hunting tigers or elephants.
A minimum of two years and a maximum of seven years of imprisonment and a minimum of Tk 0.1 million to a maximum of 1.0 million has been determined as punishment for hunting tigers or elephants. If the same individual commits this crime for the second time, his punishment will increase to 12 years of imprisonment and a fine of Tk1.5 million.
According to the ordinance, the government will establish a wing called the Wildlife Wing under the Forest Department to protect wildlife. The government will take initiatives to ensure the provision of the required number of medical centers and doctors for the welfare and protection of wildlife.
The government will form a 'Wildlife Trust Fund' for the rescue, care and conservation of wildlife.
According to the ordinance, a Wildlife Advisory Board will be formed to review and provide guidance on issues related to the conservation, protection, welfare, development and management of wildlife, forests and biodiversity.
A scientific committee will also be formed consisting of experienced wildlife and plant experts.
The ordinance banned advertisement of wildlife on social media. And, wildlife also cannot be bought and sold through markets or any other means.
Acting cruelly towards wildlife will be considered a punishable offense according to the ordinance.
The ordinance has made it mandatory to take the opinion of the local community in determining the boundaries of sanctuaries and national parks. No commercial establishment or brick kiln can be established within two kilometers of the protected area.
Under the ordinance, forest officials have been given the power to arrest criminals without a magistrate's order.
If wildlife attacks cause damage to life, property and the livelihood of the people dependent on the protected area, the government will compensate them.
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