Bagerhat Shrine Crocodile Relocated to Khulna Following Fatal Attack

The crocodile from the pond at the Hazrat Khanjahan Ali (RA) shrine in Bagerhat has been captured and is being relocated to a rescue center in Khulna. Forest Department officials safely secured the animal on Wednesday (June 3) to ensure the safety of future visitors.

The transfer follows a tragic incident on Monday (June 1) when a seven-year-old girl, Fatema Akter, was killed by the crocodile while bathing in the pond. According to eyewitnesses, the animal dragged the child underwater. Her body was recovered near the women's ghat the following morning.

The attack sparked widespread panic among locals and devotees, prompting urgent demands for the crocodile's removal. In response, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten convened an emergency meeting Tuesday night with police, forest officials, and shrine representatives.

"The safety of visitors and devotees is our top priority," Baten stated. He confirmed the decision to remove the crocodile and announced that security and surveillance will be significantly increased around the shrine area.

Divisional Forest Officer Rezaul Karim Chowdhury noted that an expert team from Khulna arrived Wednesday morning to lead the capture operation. After observing the crocodile's movements, the team safely secured it for imminent transfer to the rescue facility.