3 February 2026
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Democracy can safeguard rights of animals, ecosystem: Tarique

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Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM
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Democracy can safeguard rights of animals, ecosystem: Tarique
  Bangla Press Desk: BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman said on Saturday that a truly democratic system would not only guarantee the rights of citizens but also extend protection to animals, birds, wildlife and the ecosystem. “Just as democracy is intrinsically tied to human rights, so too are the rights of animals, wildlife and the wider ecosystem. If democracy and integrity are restored in state politics, the ecosystem will also be secure,” he told a programme at the Bangladesh-China International Conference Centre in the capital. The event, organised by the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association, drew animal lovers who brought their pets to a fair held on the premises. Tarique Rahman lamented that for more than 15 years the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of their democratic and political rights.
“This has bred a certain degree of intolerance among many of us,” he said. “To overcome such intolerance and to be humane, our pledge must be to embrace humanity. If we as citizens can ensure our own rights in the state and society, we will become more vigilant and considerate in safeguarding the rights of other living beings,” he added. He praised the discussion on animal welfare, organised by people beyond the country’s political framework, describing it as a “meaningful and commendable initiative.” The BNP leader noted that Bangladesh has several laws addressing animal protection, including the Animal Welfare Act 2019, the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act, the Biodiversity Protection Act, the Environmental Development Act and the Climate Change Trust Act.
“If BNP is entrusted with governing the country, we will update these laws in a timely manner to ensure the protection of animals, wildlife and the ecosystem. Many of these laws need reform, and we are committed to making the necessary changes,” he said. Highlighting the threat to biodiversity, Tarique Rahman warned, “As far as I know, nearly 390 species are on the brink of extinction, not only in Bangladesh but across the world. Human activity has endangered the survival of many species. Alongside these threats, wildlife trafficking is also rising at an alarming rate. As a result, wild animals, aquatic plants and natural habitats face an existential crisis.” He stressed that society must recognise that protecting biodiversity and wildlife is directly linked to human survival and wellbeing. “Where compassion is absent among people, love for wildlife seems even more distant,” he remarked.
Tarique Rahman cautioned that legislation alone cannot guarantee animal welfare. “Unless there is awareness among people, it will be very difficult to ensure animal safety merely by passing laws,” he said. “The issue of animal rights is not just a moral obligation towards animals, but also essential for conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and securing a healthy and sustainable future for humanity,” he added. He further observed that compassion towards animals and the creation of safe habitats for them are reflections of a society’s maturity and moral advancement. The discussion was chaired by Adnan Azad and jointly moderated by Mustakim Billah and Lova Ahmed. Among others who spoke were BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat, former national cricket captain Tamim Iqbal Khan, actress Irene Sultana, and Atikur Rahman Ruman, Chief Coordinator of the Animal Welfare Association.
BNP Media Cell member Shammi Akhtar also read out a written statement from animal lover Shahina Khan Zaman, elder sister of Tarique Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman. This article was originally published on Daily Sun. [Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]
BP/ZE
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

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