Dhaka, Nov. 5 -- Environmentalists are raising alarm over the deteriorating condition of Ratargul, the freshwater swamp forest in Sylhet, citing both tourists' carelessness and authorities' negligence.

The forest's delicate ecosystem is also under threat from illegal fishing at night using nets that destroy biodiversity.

Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2015, Ratargul is jointly managed by the Forest Department and the local co-management committee to ensure its protection and sustainable use.

Masum Billah, Forest Department officer for Sylhet Ratargul, said: "When tourist pressure is high, many people discard waste. The garbage is promptly cleared, but everyone must remain conscious."

Once considered Bangladesh's only freshwater swam...