Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has announced that the government is actively working towards ensuring the coexistence of wild elephants and humans. "As part of this effort, a plan is being developed to promote peaceful coexistence between elephants and humans in the KEPZ area of Chattogram," she stated, emphasizing the need for cooperation from all parties involved. Rizwana made these remarks during a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat, where the progress of a specialist committee on elephant conservation and conflict resolution was reviewed. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the environment adviser further elaborated on the necessity of identifying specific zones for elephant movement by tracking and analyzing their migration routes. She mentioned that a collaborative effort involving KEPZ, the Forest Department, IUCN, district administration, and experts would be implemented. Additionally, she announced the formation and training of five new elephant re sponse teams to support these initiatives. In a separate action, a crackdown on illegal polythene manufacturers was carried out in the Chawkbazar area of Dhaka. The operation led to the sealing of three factories and the seizure of 2,460 kg of banned polythene. This drive, led by Executive Magistrate Kazi Tamzid Ahmed of the Department of Environment (DoE), was supported by the army, RAB, and police.
