After visiting the Gazipur Safari Park at 1:00pm today, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan expressed concern over the challenge of recovering the three stolen lemurs as immediate legal action was not taken.

"We had hoped that legal action would be taken immediately. Because of the delay, the challenge of recovering them has increased," she said.

She went on to say that it is understandable if a deer disappears as it may wander off from the forest and into the locality and can be eaten by the locals.

"But why would a species like lemur disappear? And to what extent were the ones in charge of guarding the place responsible? It needs to be investigated what happened before, during, and after the incident."

"Why were the CCTV cameras not working?" she added. "How expensive are these cameras that we cannot install them in those places? I think that the responsibility to keep the place secure was not fulfilled."

The adviser further bemoaned the fact that if a case is filed after such a long time — 14 days — the chances of finding such a rare animal are slim.

"It is proven that we have an organised criminal gang here. It is for this reason that Bangladesh is used as a transit before these animals are smuggled to other countries," she said.

She also said, "We have not included experts who work passionately with wild animals. Involving them increases the government's credibility and reduces pressure on the government. This is what has been missing. This is what I will introduce: involve outside experts and investigate the disappearance of the lemurs as thoroughly as possible."

"I have personally visited the place from where the lemurs were taken and it was not unprotected, so I will certainly be demanding an explanation for how they were able to enter the area," she added.

Dhaka Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Zone Chief Conservator of Forests Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Conservator of Forests Sanaullah Patyari, Divisional Forest Officer Sharmin Akhter, Safari Park Officer Rafiqul Islam, and Sreepur Police Station OC Joynal Abedin Mondal were among those present during the adviser's visit.