A good number of rare species Monkey and birds were recovered from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday night. Airport Armed Police (AAPBn) recovered these import banned rare species of Monkey from import cargo area of the airport and arrested one Clearing and Forwarding agent in this connection.

Rare species Marmoset Monkeys recovered inside wooden cages

APBn members working in that area found a pickup van loaded with a number of cages made from wood and nets wandering in the area at around 9 PM. Since the import cargo area naturally closes after office hours at 5 PM. Upon suspicion, AAPBn members interrogated one C&F agent who was introducing himself as Mostafizur Rahman (49) but he could not show any valid documents for the animals on the pickup van. He alongwith the animals were taken into the airport parking area where officials from different organization including AAPBn, Wildlife Conservation department and others recovered 10 South African origin Common Marmoset Monkey, 30 African Grey Parrot, 100 Budgerigar, 10 Rainbow Lorikeet, 10 Golden Mantled Rosella and 10 Green Cheeked Parakeet. According to sources, these monkeys are restricted for import in Bangladesh since these are very rare species. The arrested person could not show valid documents regarding the imported wild animals and it was learnt that these animals were imported in the name of birds only.

Wildlife Conservation Department lodged an FIR with the local Airport Police Station under Special Power Act, 1974 and Wildlife (Security & Conservation) Act, 2012 against the importer Nazmul Huda Monzu and the arrested C&F agent Mostafizur Rahman. According to another source it was learnt that Mr. Nazmul Huda Monzu claimed the animals was sent by one of his friend and he has been keeping pet animals in Savar. But he denied to disclose whether he had any wild animal in his possession or the exact location of his firm.