Dhaka: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today called for working together to protect wildlife as wild animals, including elephants, are at risk due to deforestation. He emphasized that elephants are valuable assets to the country and stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure their protection.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dewan highlighted the sensitivity of elephants, stating that these animals do not harm humans unless provoked. He underscored the necessity of preserving the natural environment to safeguard elephants and advocated for fostering harmonious relationships between elephants and humans.
Dewan made these remarks as the chief guest at a cheque distribution ceremony organized by the district administration and forest department. The event took place at the Deputy Commissioner’s office conference room, where compensation cheques were handed over to families affected by wildlife incidents in various upazilas of the district.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi presided over the meeting, with the presence of forest conservator (Rangamati region) Mohammad Abdul Awal Sarkar. Other attendees included Divisional Forest Officers Md Rafiquzzaman Shah and SM Sajjad Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Ruhul Amin, and District BNP General Secretary Mamunur Rashid Mamun.
Dewan expressed concern about the damage to elephant habitats in different areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and assured attendees of engaging in high-level discussions with the government to implement effective initiatives for elephant protection.
During the event, compensation cheques totaling Taka 6 lakh were distributed to the families of two individuals killed by wild elephants, and over Taka 20 lakh was provided to 76 families affected by wild animal encounters.