Bangladesh Forest Department retrieves two abused elephants from private handlers for transfer to Gazipur Safari Park
Photo Collected
Forest department officials have initiated the transfer of two elephants, Samrat and Niharkali, to the Gazipur Safari Park following a directive from the Prime Minister. The animals, which were previously seized in rescue operations due to abuse, had been returned to their private keepers just weeks ago before being re-confiscated on Monday.
Samrat was recovered near the Latitila Reserved Forest in the Juri Upazila of Moulvibazar. Upon discovery, the elephant appeared exhausted and dehydrated after being forced to drag timber for several kilometers. Officials reported visible wounds on the animal’s head and trunk. While the handler, Abdur Rouf, claimed the injuries were caused by lemon tree thorns, local forest official Sajan alleged that handlers frequently use sharp iron implements to discipline elephants when they refuse to work.
Niharkali was simultaneously recovered from the Rajkandi Reserved Forest in the Kamalganj Upazila. Both elephants are currently being held under forest department supervision and are being prepared for transport to the Gazipur Safari Park via truck.
The decision to return the elephants to the government’s care follows public outcry and criticism from wildlife advocacy groups. Rakibul Haque, chairman of the People for Animal Welfare Foundation, questioned the forest department’s transparency, asking why the animals were initially returned to individuals accused of exploiting and abusing them. He further demanded clarification on whether the forest department has a long-term rehabilitation plan to prevent the elephants from returning to chains and confinement at the safari park, where two other elephants died unexpectedly in August.
Both elephants have histories of exploitation. Samrat was initially seized in 2024 after killing a handler in Gopalganj, while Niharkali was rescued in August of the same year following viral video evidence showing the animal being tortured while being used to solicit money from the public.
Sylhet Divisional Forest Officer Abdur Rahman confirmed that the mission to recover the elephants was mandated directly by the Prime Minister through the Chief Conservator of Forests. Efforts to reach Chief Conservator of Forests Amir Hosain Chowdhury and Dhaka region conservator Sanaullah Patwary for further comment on the department’s handling of the animals were unsuccessful.
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