Conservationists call for safe, chain-free, welfare-based future for captive elephants
A special event was held in Dhaka on World Elephant Day 2026 on Wednesday calling for the conservation of Bangladesh’s wild elephants and a safe, chain-free and welfare-based future for captive elephants.
The event was jointly organised by Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh Gachh Raksha Andolon, Dundari Archive and People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation, a press release said.
The event was held at 4pm at the Dhanmondi auditorium of Alliance Française de Dhaka.
Through photography, documentaries, films and discussions, the event highlighted the current condition, challenges and possible solutions concerning Bangladesh’s wild and captive elephants, the release added.
Alliance Française de Dhaka Director François Chambraud delivered the welcome address. Amirul Rajiv presented a photography event titled No Way Home, featuring photographs by photographer K M Asad.
Elephant rights activists Amirul Rajiv and Rakibul Haque Emil, in a presentation titled Elephants of Bangladesh, highlighted the current reality of captive elephants in Bangladesh, conservation challenges, the welfare of captive elephants and the need for chain-free management.
Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua discussed various aspects of Bangladesh’s existing laws and draft regulations concerning elephant safety and protection.
Former director of the Central Veterinary Hospital and veterinary doctor Dr Shafiul Ahad Sardar highlighted various aspects of animal behaviour and illnesses related to the physical and psychological deterioration of captive elephants.
At the beginning of the event, Marshall Corwin’s documentary Sanctuary: Elephant Nature Park was screened.
The documentary highlighted the work of Saengduean Lek Chailert, a pioneer animal rights activist involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of captive elephants in neighbouring Thailand.
It presented practical examples of rescuing and rehabilitating captive and abused elephants and managing them humanely without chains.
It was noted that Saengduean Lek Chailert visited Bangladesh in April and, at an event, expressed her interest in working for elephants in Bangladesh to the State Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
According to the organisers, the main objective of the event was to further accelerate ongoing efforts for elephant conservation and rights ahead of World Elephant Day and reaffirm a collective commitment to ensuring the safety, freedom and welfare of elephants in Bangladesh.
The organisers also requested the media to play a role in the conservation of street and wild animals by publicising the message.