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Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday informed the cabinet that the fire in the Sundarbans is under control and the situation will closely be monitored for the next few days.
He shared the latest update over the Sundarbans fire in the cabinet meeting held with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair at the latter’s office in Dhaka, reports UNB.
Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain briefed reporters after the meeting.
“The home minister informed the cabinet that the fire in the Sundarbans is under control but he did not say that the fire was doused completely as the forest fire is not like normal one,” he said adding that it takes time to declare that the forest fire is extinguished.
In the case of forests, the fire may be seen again after it seems that the fire is extinguished, said the cabinet secretary.
“So, the situation will closely be monitored for the next few days and then the declaration will be made,” he said.
On Saturday afternoon, the fire originated in Latif's Chila area near Amurbunia forest in the Chadpai range of eastern Sundarbans in Bagerhat.
According to the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, it was a bushfire and it affected a two-square-kilometre area, and spots of flames could be seen in different places.
Some 55 members of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence and 250 volunteers were deployed to put out the fire. They were also joined by the navy, air force, Coast Guard, Forest Department, police and local administration.
UNB also reported that the major fire was successfully contained after over 29 hours of continuous efforts by the emergency teams.
Mongla Fire Service Station Officer Md Kaymuzzaman confirmed that the coordinated efforts of all the aforementioned agencies brought the blaze under control at around 8pm Sunday.
The fire is under control but will remain under observation, he said, highlighting the caution with which the situation is being handled.
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury on Sunday announced that a high-level three-member committee was formed to probe the origins of the fire and assess the fire’s impact on the Sundarbans’ biodiversity. The committee is expected to deliver a report with recommendations within the next 10 working days.
Based on the findings of this comprehensive assessment, necessary measures will be implemented to safeguard the Sundarbans' natural heritage, he assured.
The response underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity and as a habitat for the endangered Bengal tiger.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department has mobilised 50 personnel to closely monitor the affected area.
Mihir Kumar Doe, forest conservator of the Khulna region, affirmed that although the fire was under control, vigilant monitoring will continue for an additional two days.
Early on Monday, emerging smoke was detected in several locations and promptly extinguished through immediate water deployment.
The investigation committee is currently examining the site and gathering crucial data, Doe said.
