DHAKA, July 29 (BSS)- Bangladesh today joined with 13 other
tiger range countries to observe the World Tiger Day to make
people aware to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger, a most endangered
species of the world.

The day was observed in Bangladesh with the slogan "Protect
Sundarbans: Save endangered Tigers".

Bangladesh's Sundarbans, a single unique bioclimatic zone in
the world shared with India, is the largest habitat of the Royal
Bengal Tiger with an estimated population of 400 to 450 tigers.

Addressing a discussion on the occasion as Jatiya Press Club
here today, State Minister for Environment and Forests Dr Hasan
Mahmud said tiger is the symbol of valour and heritage of
Bangladesh.

"Tigers play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, food
chain and ecology of forests," he said, adding "Sundarbans, one
of world's most resourceful forests, would have been extinct
without tigers."

Marking the day, Ministry of Environment and Forests, World
Bank, private mobile phone operator Banglalink and World Life
Trust-Bangladesh jointly arranged various programmes including
rallies, photographic exhibitions and discussion.

Professor Jakir Hossain and Prof Nurjahan Sarkar of Dhaka
University, chief executive of Wild Life Trust-Bangladesh Dr
Anwarukl Islam, secretary of the ministry Dr Mihir Kanti
Majumder, among others, took part in the discussion while Chief
Conservator of Forests Abdul Motaleb was in the chair.

Earlier, a rally was brought out from National Museum in the
morning that ended at JPC after parading different thoroughfares.

Dr Hasan said the population of wild tiger is now about
3,200 in 13 Tiger Range Countries (TRC), which was recorded as
many as one lakh in the beginning of the 20th century.

He said the Royal Bengal Tiger, one of the last species,
would also be extinct without a programme for long-term
conservation objectives.

"The Sundarbans forest is the last stronghold for Royal
Bengal Tiger. So, Bangladesh has a big role to play to protect
this national treasure and ensure continued existence of the
species on earth," he said.

He urged all to vote for Sundarbans to make it as one of
seven world natural wonders. Mobile voting center will be
introduced in Dhaka and Chittagong to cast vote for Sundarbans,
he said.

The state minister said vote for selecting the seven world's
natural wonders would be held on November 11, 2011 and vote could
be cast till a day before of the selection.

Marking the World Tiger Day, rallies and discussion were
held in Khulna where State Minister for Labour and Employment
Munnujan Sufian was present as the chief guest. Similar
programmes were arranged in Shatkhira.