Forest Department Reclaims Two Elephants From Custodians Following Breach of Conditions
Photo Collected
GAZIPUR — The Bangladesh Forest Department has recovered two elephants, Samrat and Niharkoli, from private custody after the handlers violated the terms of an agreement that prohibited the animals from being used for extortion. The elephants were returned to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Sreepur, Gazipur, just 12 days after they were released to the care of private individuals.
Acting under the directives of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, forest officials conducted an operation on Monday to reclaim the animals. Niharkoli was retrieved from Kamalganj in Moulvibazar, while Samrat was recovered from an area near the Shilua tea garden in Juri Upazila.
Niharkoli arrived at the safari park via truck early Tuesday at 4:00 a.m., followed by Samrat at 10:00 a.m. Upon arrival, both animals underwent health examinations conducted by a team of veterinarians, including Dr. Hatem Sajjad Md. Zulkar Nain. Safari Park acting officer Tareq Rahman confirmed the process is ongoing, noting that the elephants will be bathed and placed in designated enclosures following the assessments.
The elephants were originally seized by the Forest Department in August and September 2024 from Kotalipara in Gopalganj and Bhulta in Narayanganj following reports of abuse and exploitation for illegal toll collection. They were initially moved to the safari park for rehabilitation, but were transferred to private handlers on August 12 following the deaths of two other elephants at the facility.
Mohammad Sanaullah Patwary, Conservator of Forests for the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division in Dhaka, stated that the handlers had signed an undertaking agreeing not to subject the animals to abuse or extortion. He confirmed that the elephants were retrieved specifically because those conditions were violated.
Monir Mia, the handler of Samrat, denied the allegations of breach of contract, asserting that he returned the animals immediately upon the Forest Department’s request.
Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossein Chowdhury noted that Minister Mintoo had closely monitored the situation from the COP17 conference in Mongolia, ordering immediate action to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals.
Despite the return of the elephants, safari park officials have raised concerns regarding the facility’s capacity. Project Director Iqbal Hossein Chowdhury stated that the park is currently facing a shortage of mahouts and requires significant infrastructure improvements to properly house the elephants, as existing facilities are deemed insufficient. Officials said they have reported these operational constraints to higher authorities.
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