12-year jail, Tk 1.5m fine for tiger, elephant hunting kept in new ordinance

The interim government has taken a landmark step to protect the country‍‍`s biodiversity, forests and wildlife by issuing the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Ordinance, 2025, which retains the provision of a maximum 12-year jail term and a fine of Taka 1.5 million for hunting tigers and elephants.

The gazette of the ordinance was issued on December 7, 2025. Under the new provisions, the ordinance ensures the strictest punishment against wildlife hunting, cruelty to animals and destruction of forest resources. The hunting of iconic species such as tigers or elephants will now carry a maximum punishment of 12 years‍‍` imprisonment and a fine of Taka 1.5 million.

According to Sections 41 and 44, hunting of Schedule-1(A) species, including tigers and elephants, will be punishable with a minimum of two years and a maximum of seven years‍‍` imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from Taka 100,000 to Taka one million.

If the same person commits the offence for a second time, the punishment will be enhanced to up to 12 years‍‍` imprisonment and a fine of Taka 1.5 million.The ordinance also provides for up to five years‍‍` imprisonment for possessing, without permission, any trophy, meat or body parts of a tiger or elephant.

Restrictions in Sanctuaries and Protected Areas: The ordinance makes it mandatory to consult local communities when defining the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. No commercial establishments or brick kilns can be set up within two kilometres of a protected area.

Inside sanctuaries, activities such as cultivation, extraction of mineral resources, setting fires, and introducing invasive foreign plant species are completely prohibited. However, special provisions have been made to compensate forest-dependent communities for exercising their traditional rights and livelihoods.

The ordinance introduces provisions to preserve ancient trees, heritage trees, sacred trees, and traditional groves (‍‍`Kunjaban‍‍`), which serve as critical habitats for wildlife. No one can destroy these trees or forests except in cases of life-saving necessity. Violation of this provision carries a maximum of six months‍‍` imprisonment or a fine of Taka 50,000.

The ordinance also states that posting advertisements for wildlife trade on social media or sharing videos showing cruelty to wildlife is a punishable offence. Furthermore, possessing, buying or selling any wildlife or trophies (including skin, bones, teeth, etc.) without a license or possession certificate is strictly prohibited.

To support wildlife rescue, care, and conservation, the government will establish a Wildlife Trust Fund. To prevent wildlife trafficking, a strong Wildlife Crime Control Unit comprising police, customs, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will operate at airports, land ports, and seaports.

A scientific committee will also be formed to resolve legal complexities related to wildlife and will act as the national authority for CITES matters.