For the first time, the Forest Department of Bangladesh will provide wildlife research grants to young researchers, university students, faculty members, and Forest Department researchers across the country. A total of Tk50 million will be distributed under the initiative this year.
The new programme has been launched to strengthen wildlife education, research, and conservation activities nationwide.
The initiative has been undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the interim government. To mark the launch of the programme, the Forest Department organised a day-long workshop on Monday.
A total of 46 research proposals were submitted from across the country. Following an initial screening process, 22 proposals were shortlisted. Researchers and students presented their proposals during the workshop.
Bangladesh has long faced a shortage of dedicated funding for wildlife research. The introduction of this grant programme has generated significant interest and enthusiasm among students and researchers.
Financial assistance will be awarded based on the quality of the research proposals, their national and international relevance, and the experience of the researchers.
The workshop was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests Ameer Hossain Chowdhury and Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Md Zahidul Kabir.
Also present were Conservator of Forests for the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Unit Md Sanaullah Patwary, renowned wildlife researcher and expert Dr Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, and wildlife-specialist faculty members from various universities.
