Stating that many people have grown intolerant due to long-term deprivation of rights, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged all to embrace humanity and show compassion towards all living beings by rejecting cruelty.
"I feel that a kind of intolerance may have developed in many of us due to the loss of all democratic and political rights as citizens for more than a decade and a half. Overcoming this intolerance, let us commit to embracing humanity and rejecting cruelty," he said.
Speaking virtually at a 'Gathering of Life and Animals', Tarique also said he believes that if humans can ensure their rights within the state and society, they will also be more careful and conscious in protecting the rights of all other living beings.
Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association organised the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre to highlight the importance of safety, care and love for animals in order to protect the ecosystem.
Animal lovers from different parts of the country attended the event with their beloved pet animals, including cats, dogs, horses and birds, delighting the audience with their presence.
Tarique stressed the necessity of ensuring the safety of all animals, not only for the protection of the ecosystem but also for the well-being of humans.
He expressed concern that the existence of many animals is under threat due to human intervention. "As far as I know, around 390 species have become extinct, and this is not just in Bangladesh but in many other countries as well, largely due to human activities. Our pride, the Royal Bengal Tiger, a symbol of our heritage, is now an endangered species."
Tarique said the elephant population has also decreased, while many other animals in Bangladesh are gradually being added to the list of endangered species.
He also deplored that population growth, climate change, unplanned urbanisation, river and wetland filling, deforestation, and other factors are putting biodiversity at risk. "At the same time, wildlife trafficking is increasing at an alarming rate. Because of all these factors, the habitats of wild animals, aquatic plants, and other creatures are facing a serious threat to their survival."
The BNP leader said that if his party comes to power, they will modify laws related to wildlife protection to safeguard different types of animals and biodiversity.
He said in protecting biodiversity and ensuring the safety of wildlife, public awareness is more important than laws or regulations. "We all need to feel a consciousness that the safety of biodiversity and wildlife is directly linked to our own well-being and safety."
Tarique, however, said that if people do not have a sense of care and empathy in their hearts for animals—be it birds, elephants, dogs, cats, or tigers—then simply passing laws will not be enough to secure their habitats, shelter, security and food. "Without fostering this awareness in people, ensuring the safety, food, and rights of animals through laws alone will be extremely difficult."
He said protecting the safety and rights of animals plays a crucial role in measuring the advancement and development of human civilisation.
The BNP leader said protecting animal rights is not only a humanitarian responsibility but also essential for conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for humanity.
"When humans show compassion towards animals and secure safe habitats for them, it reflects the maturity and high moral standards of human society. So, humans must protect animals and preserve their habitats, not only for the animals themselves but also for their own benefit," he said.
Tarique acknowledged that some people may think that discussing animal safety is unusual when the state sometimes fails to ensure human safety. "Such thoughts are not unreasonable."
He, however, said even when there are limitations or visible failures, it is important to continue practising and discussing all positive initiatives.
The BNP leader personally believes that just as democracy is closely linked with human rights, the ecosystem is closely connected with the rights of birds, animals, and wildlife. "So, when integrity is maintained in state politics and democracy, the ecosystem is naturally protected."
Tarique concluded by urging everyone to follow the slogan: 'Save lives, save animals. Let the country be a safe haven for all living beings'.
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