2 killed in elephant attacks in Ctg
Areas such as Karnaphuli, Anwara, and Banshkhali have become increasingly vulnerable to elephant attacks
Two people were killed in separate elephant attacks in Anwara upazila, Chattogram, on Monday night (24 September).
An elderly man, Mohammad Dulal, 60, was killed after being attacked by an elephant in the Deyan Bazar Asrayan Project area under Ward No. 4 of Boirag Union around 8 pm.
Later, a woman, identified as Mosammat Rehena Akter, 35, was killed in another elephant attack in Ward No. 8, East Boirag area of the same union, around 1am today.
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Confirming the deaths, Monir Hosen, officer-in-charge of Anwara Police Station, quoting eyewitnesses said, "A wild elephant descended from the Deyang Hills and attacked Dulal near the Asrayan Project, leaving him critically injured. Locals rescued him and rushed him to the Anwara Health Complex, where doctors referred him to CMCH."
"In another incident, a woman named Rehena Akter was killed on the spot by an elephant attack around 1am," he added.
Dulal died at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) around 10:15pm while undergoing treatment.
The other victim, Rehena Akter, wife of Mohammad Akter of East Boirag area died on the spot.
According to locals, three wild elephants descended from the Deyang Hills late at night. Rehena was attacked when she came out of her home to see the wild elephants.
OC Monir also said that legal procedures are underway in connection with both incidents.
It is important to note that three deaths have occurred due to elephant attacks in Chattogram this month.
Earlier, another elderly man was killed in an elephant attack in the Karnaphuli upazila of Chattogram on 11 September.
Additionally, a Korean investor sustained critical injuries in an elephant attack at the Korean Export Processing Zone under Karnaphuli Police Station on 7 September.
Local representatives have expressed concern that people are repeatedly dying from elephant attacks, yet the administration and forest department have not taken sufficient action.
Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Dipannita Bhattacherjee from the Chattogram Forest Department explained that areas such as Karnaphuli, Anwara, and Banshkhali have become increasingly vulnerable to elephant attacks. The primary cause is a food shortage in the forest, forcing elephants to venture into localities in search of sustenance.
"The encroachment of people into forest areas, cutting down trees, and building homes has destroyed the natural habitat of wild animals," Dipannita said.
"Relocating the elephants is not an option, as the forests of Karnaphuli, Anwara, and Banshkhali are historically significant habitats for these elephants," she added.
