There is a dismal lack of designated national
parks, reserves and conservation areas in Bangladesh. With millions of people
to feed, perhaps it’s asking too much to make good agricultural land
off-limits. However, the situation is as complicated as a Gordian knot, since
in many ways survival depends on intact natural areas. Unfortunately, due to
intense human pressure, these are disappearing fast. Added to that, designated
parks and reserves are not strictly controlled and blatant misuse, even by
those who are paid to protect them, are an every occurrence.
Bhawal National Park More commonly known as Rajenrapur National
Park, it is located in the Dhaka Division, about 38 km north of Dhaka city. The
area mostly comprises regrowth sal forest and open picnic spots. There are a
few walking trails. Sundarbans Reserve
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Sundarbans
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This is finest natural area in the entire
country, mostly due to its impenetrable jungle forest and maze of rivers.
Located in the southern half of the Khulna Division, it’s part of the world’s
largest mangrove forest and home to the Bengal liger. Madhupur Forest Reserve This is a de Graded sal and mixed forest with
some remaining old growth; it’s roughly 130 km north-west of Dhaka (three hours
by car) on the road between Mymensingh and Tangail. Over the past 20 years size
has been cut in half, but it continues to be a very interesting forest rich
with wildlife. Lawacherra Forest Reserve Some eight km east of Srimangal in the
greater Sylhet, this hilly sal forest is similar in size to Madhupur Forest,
though the species of wildlife varies slightly. Telepara/Satcheri Forest Reserve This mixed evergreen/teak forest is about 60
km south-west of Srimangal. Within its bound-aries is a sandy basin which is
excellent for bird-watching. Singra Forest Reserve In the Rajshahi Division, well noreth of
Dinajpur, this reserve is a fairly uniform sal forest with mixed woodland on
the boundary.
