The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Students and teachers of Dhaka University's Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) Department demanded steps for protection of bio-diversity of Lawachhara forests in Srimongal.

To press for their demand, the students and teachers of the department formed a human chain as they had been in Srimongal for a picnic Friday.

Several hundred present and former students, and teachers, along with local elite and general people joined the human chain.

Addressing a gathering after the human chain, Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, a teacher of the department, said local people are very much concerned about a seismic survey to be conducted through the forests.

"Local people have told us that they would lose their forests, homes and wildlife if the seismic survey is conducted. The bio-diversity of the forests will also be at stake if any such survey is conducted," he said.

Dr Arefin said the MCJ department calls upon the government, UN organizations and other development agencies to keep in mind the issue of bio-diversity and the interests of the local people before taking any such project.

Chairman of the MCJ department Prof Sheikh Abdus Salam also addressed the gathering.

He said sustainable development is not possible by destroying forests and wildlife. "Unplanned industrialisation and random use of resources cannot ensure development of the country."

"I, on behalf of my department, request the government and authorities concerned not to do anything that might cause harm to the forest," he said.

The Lawachhara forest in the Srimangal district, 220 km (130 miles) off capital Dhaka, has some 50 species of flora and fauna, including hillock gibbons, Boars, deer and snakes and wild poultry.