OUR CORRESPONDENT, Benapole

In a joint operation, the Forest Department, local administration, and police have rescued 70 rare species of parrots in Chuadanga.

The incident took place near the Dingedah Oil Pump area of the district town on Monday evening.

According to police and witnesses, around 200 parrots -- locally known as hiramon parrots -- were being smuggled in an auto-rickshaw.

Acting on a tip-off, environment officials intercepted the vehicle. The smugglers, however, managed to flee, abandoning the auto-rickshaw.

Inside a cage, authorities found 70 parrots, which were later released in a safe area in the presence of the Forest Department, local administration, and local residents.

Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ashish Momtaz said the birds were being smuggled to India.

Shahin Sarker, a local environmental activist, said large numbers of these parrots migrate to border areas during the month of Bhadra, making them easy targets for poachers. “Each bird is sold for Tk 3,000 to Tk 4,000,” he added.

The Forest Department and local authorities have urged the public to comply with the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act, 2012.