Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has emphasised the need to build public awareness and foster a conservation-minded mindset among the younger generation to protect tigers-a crucial wildlife species and an essential component of biodiversity.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (29 July) while responding to reporters following a rally at the Bangladesh National Zoo to mark World Tiger Day.

Highlighting the alarming decline in the global tiger population, the state minister noted that around a century ago, there were approximately 100,000 tigers worldwide, whereas the figure has now dropped to around 5,000.

He said this statistic clearly indicates how severely endangered the species has become.

“If we do not take effective measures immediately and raise awareness among the public, this species will face an even deeper crisis in the future,” he warned.

Sharing statistics on Bangladesh’s tiger population, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said there are currently 124 tigers in the Sundarbans. In addition, around 15 tigers are housed at the Bangladesh National Zoo, with approximately 50 tigers across various zoos nationwide.

Describing tigers as a national asset, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking necessary measures to ensure future generations can learn about tigers and recognize the importance of their preservation.

Responding to a question regarding budget allocations and transparency in the tiger census, the state minister clarified that the census falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, not the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

He added that the Forest Department carries out the task transparently through its established procedures.

Following the event, the state minister inaugurated the Bangladesh National Zoo’s gift shop.

Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md Delwar Hossain, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan, Director of Bangladesh National Zoo Dr Md Shahinoor Alam, Curator Dr Md. Habibur Rahman, Convenor of the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association Adnan Azad, alongside senior officials from the ministry, the department, and the national zoo, were present at the event.