45 Affected Farmers Receive Compensation Checks on World Elephant Day in Banshkhali

World Elephant Day was celebrated in Banshkhali, Chittagong, with various programs under the theme "Unite for Wildlife, Protect Elephant Lives." To mark the occasion, compensation checks totaling BDT 1.915 million (19.15 lakh) were distributed among 45 farmers affected by elephant attacks.

The event took place on Wednesday (August 12) at 11:00 AM in the auditorium of Napora-Shekherkhil High School. Organized by the Chittagong Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division and funded by the Elephant Conservation Project, the program featured a rally, a discussion meeting, an art competition for students, and the distribution of tree saplings.

The discussion meeting was moderated by Banshkhali Jaldi Wildlife Sanctuary Range Officer Israil Haq and chaired by Wildlife Management and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Dipanwita Bhattacharya. Banshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ruhul Amin attended the event as the chief guest.

Former Principal of Government Alaol College Azizur Rahman, Headmaster of Napora-Shekherkhil High School Md. Jahangir Alam, Upazila Animal Extension Officer Dr. Zulkarnain Shawn, Chambal Beat Officer Didar, Napora Beat Officer Anjan Kanti Biswas, and Puichhari Beat Officer Kamrul Hasan, among others, were present at the event.

In her presidential address, Dipanwita Bhattacharya noted that the situation is becoming increasingly complex due to the geographical proximity of reserved forests and human settlements. She explained that elephant deaths occur as many coastal residents settle on forest land. As a result, a "zero tolerance" policy has been adopted to protect elephant habitats, along with initiatives to plant fruit-bearing trees suitable for elephant consumption.

In his chief guest's address, UNO Md. Ruhul Amin stated that human settlements in reserved forests have blocked elephant corridors and shrunk their natural habitats, forcing elephants into human habitats in search of food. He emphasized that failing to protect elephants would threaten ecological balance, stressing that elephant corridors must remain unobstructed and everyone must play a responsible role in ensuring safe habitats for elephants.