Dhaka, Jan. 9 -- The interim government has passed the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Ordinance, introducing provisions for up to 12 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk 1.5 million for repeat offences such as hunting tigers or elephants.

The ordinance was issued on Wednesday by the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

Under Section 41(1) of the new law, hunting a tiger (Bengal tiger) or an elephant (Asian elephant) will carry a minimum of two years and a maximum of seven years' imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from Tk 100,000 to Tk 1 million. For repeat offences, the punishment has been increased to a maximum of 12 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk...