Agargaon: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure a safe future for elephants. Speaking at a discussion organized on the occasion of World Elephant Day 2026, held at the Forest Department's conference room in Agargaon, the minister highlighted that government initiatives alone are insufficient. He emphasized the importance of involving people from all walks of life, including local communities, forest department field workers, non-governmental organizations, students, researchers, and media workers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Mintoo pointed out that protecting elephant habitats is crucial not only for the elephants themselves but also for preserving forests, biodiversity, and the environment, ultimately benefiting humanity. The theme for this year's World Elephant Day is "Bringing the world together to help elephants," with the primary goal of raising public awareness about elephant conservation and ensuring their safe future.
Minister Mintoo expressed concern over the dwindling number of elephants in the country due to habitat encroachment, deforestation, illegal hunting, and wildlife crime. A 2015 survey reported 268 wild elephants permanently residing in the country, 93 migratory wild elephants, and 96 captive elephants. The minister announced plans for another elephant survey by 2027 and highlighted the Bangladesh Elephant Conservation Action Plan (2018-2027), which outlines 40 priority activities for elephant conservation.
The minister also addressed the government's efforts to provide compensation to those affected by human-elephant conflicts. Under the "Compensation for Loss of Life and Property Regulations, 2021," families of deceased victims are compensated with Taka 3 lakh, injured individuals receive up to Taka 1 lakh, and property damage compensation can reach up to Taka 50,000. From 2012 to June 2026, approximately Taka 13.77 crore has been distributed as compensation to affected families.
Furthermore, Minister Mintoo directed the Forest Department to expedite compensation payments and praised the involvement of local communities in managing human-elephant conflicts. He noted that 159 Elephant Response Teams (ERTs) have been established in elephant-inhabited areas, playing a vital role in providing early warnings and monitoring elephant movements.
Special guests at the event, including Mahmudul Haque Rubel, MP from Sherpur-3 constituency, and Dr. Md. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, emphasized the significance of elephant conservation for protecting life and nature. Acting Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Fahmida Khanam, called for collaboration between government and various institutions to enhance conservation efforts.
The event, chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, was attended by representatives from organizations working on elephant conservation, ministry and Forest Department officials, and journalists.