Forest Dept takes back two elephants for violating custody conditions

The Forest Department has taken two elephants, ‘Nihar Koli’ and ‘Samrat Bahadur’, back into its custody on Monday after their custodians allegedly violated the conditions set for keeping them. 

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo ordered the move on Monday to ensure the safety, protection and welfare of the elephants, said a press release from the ministry.

“The government is committed to ensuring the welfare, safety and protection of wildlife. If wildlife is handed over to any individual or organisation and the stipulated conditions are violated, necessary action will be taken in accordance with the law and regulations,” the minister said.

Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury said they began taking action immediately after receiving the minister’s directive.

“Although the minister is currently in Mongolia to attend the COP-17 conference, he has been regularly keeping track of the matter,” he said.

The female elephant Nihar Koli was taken into custody from the Kamalganj area of Moulvibazar, while the male elephant Samrat was taken from an area near Shilua Tea Garden in Juri upazila. 

Upon the two elephant’s arrival at Gazipur Safari Park, veterinary officers and members of a specialised medical board will conduct health examinations. The elephants will then be moved to designated sheds and kept under close observation. 

Earlier, the Forest Department handed over the elephants to their owners on August 12 after securing written undertakings that they would not be abused, subjected to unnecessary suffering or used to collect money from the public.

Both animals had arrived at the park in 2024, but under markedly different circumstances.

Nihar Koli was rescued from Bhulta in Narayanganj on August 31, 2024, amid allegations that the elephant was being mistreated and used to collect money from people.

Samrat's case was more serious. The elephant was rescued after trampling his mahout, Nazrul Islam, to death in Kotalipara in Gopalganj on September 24, 2024. The Forest Department subsequently moved Samrat to the safari park.

Officials said there had also been allegations that Samrat had been used to collect money from the public.