Environmentalists are raising alarm over the deteriorating condition of Ratargul, the freshwater swamp forest in Sylhet, citing both tourists’ carelessness and authorities’ negligence. Masum Billah, Forest Department officer for Sylhet Ratargul, said: “When tourist pressure is high, many people discard waste. The garbage is promptly cleared, but everyone must remain conscious.”Once considered Bangladesh’s only freshwater swamp forest, Ratargul spans 1,345 hectares, one of 22 freshwater swamp forests globally. PLASTIC POLLUTIONVisitors enter Ratargul from Majher Ghat, Chourangi Ghat, or Motor Ghat. Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam confirmed both road and forest plastic clean-ups are under way.

Source: bd News24 November 04, 2025 20:39 UTC