The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) today (Dec 23) decided to scrap the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park project in Moulvibazar, citing the need to preserve the biodiversity of the Lathitila forest.
Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud informed the matter to reporters following the ECNEC meeting, explaining the decision to cancel the Bangabandhu Safari Park project in Moulvibazar.
Dr. Mahmud said that canceling the project was straightforward, as it posed significant risks to the environment.
"Every country must preserve ecologically sensitive and protected forest areas," he said, expressing concern over why a plan to build a safari park was proposed in a forest already designated as protected.
The project, initially approved by ECNEC in November of the previous year, had been proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. However, due to the potential threat to biodiversity in the Lathitila forest, the ministry later recommended its cancellation. Acting on this recommendation, the Planning Commission decided to revoke the project's approval during today’s ECNEC meeting.
The now-canceled project sought to establish the country's third safari park on 5,631 acres of land in Lathitila, a reserved evergreen forest in Juri upazila. The plan aimed to develop a core safari park and ecotourism facilities, but the Ministry of Environment identified significant risks to the forest’s biodiversity, prompting a reassessment.
During today’s ECNEC meeting, which marked the fifth session under the interim government, the Planning Commission presented a formal proposal to cancel the safari park project.
The meeting also reviewed 15 project proposals submitted by various ministries and departments. Of these, eight new projects were presented for approval, while six previously approved proposals, including the cancellation of the safari park project, were addressed for notification.
Dr. Mahmud underscored the importance of prioritizing environmental conservation over infrastructure development in sensitive ecosystems, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.
BDST: 1706 HRS, DEC 23, 2024
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