The disappearance reduced the deer population at the historic Durgasagar Lake enclosure from 13 to 12, prompting concerns over wildlife protection and security.
Police have arrested the caretaker and a guard-cum-gardener of the renowned Durgasagar Lake in Babuganj upazila of Barishal using technology for their alleged involvement in stealing a deer kept in a cage for tourists in southern Bangladesh.
Durgasagar, locally known as Madhabpasha Dighi, is the largest historical lake (water body). Located at Madhabpasha village under Babuganj Upazila, the lake is situated around 11 to 12 kilometres from Barishal city along the Swarupkathi-Barishal road and is one of the region’s notable heritage and tourism sites.
The arrestees are Durgasagar Lake caretaker Md Jamal Hossain Mridha and guard-cum-gardener Oliur Rahman Oli Howlader. They were arrested around 11:30am on Sunday.
According to police, the largest deer kept in the enclosure at the tourist spot was stolen on the night of August 3, 2025. Following the incident, Md Jahangir Hossain Khan, chief supervisor of Durgasagar Lake, filed a case with Airport Police Station against unidentified persons.
Sub-Inspector Md Sarwar of Airport Police Station, who is investigating the case, said police identified the alleged involvement of the caretaker and the guard through information gathered using technology.
“After obtaining evidence of their involvement, they were arrested,” he said.
The two accused were later produced before a court. Police sought a five-day remand for interrogation, but the court granted one day of police custody.
Jahangir Hossain Khan said he filed the case following instructions from the deputy commissioner.
Before the theft, there were 13 deer in the enclosure at Durgasagar Lake. After one deer went missing, the number has now fallen to 12.
The incident has raised concerns among locals and visitors about security arrangements and the protection of wildlife kept at the popular heritage tourist destination. Authorities are continuing the investigation to determine the full extent of involvement and recover the stolen deer.
