Wild elephants repeatedly raided Bandarban villages, destroying banana and vegetable fields, causing heavy losses and fear among residents, while experts warn habitat loss and encroachment are worsening human wildlife conflict.
A herd of wild elephants, driven by hunger and shrinking forest habitats, has repeatedly raided villages in Lama Upazila of Bandarban, destroying banana plantations and vegetable fields and spreading fear among residents.
In the early hours of Sunday, elephants descended from nearby forests into the Khedarban area of Ward No. 5 in Fythong Union. Farmer Anwar Hossain lost nearly 200 banana trees along with his vegetable crops overnight. Across the union, villagers estimate total crop losses at more than 500 banana trees, amounting to several hundred thousand taka in damages.
“I couldn’t sleep because of fear,” said Anwar Hossain. “Every night, elephants trample everything in their path. They destroyed my banana plantation and vegetables. The loss is huge.” Other local farmers reported similar devastation, saying their homes and farmlands have been repeatedly attacked.
Officials confirmed the severity of the situation. Mohammad Habib, Range Officer of the Doluchari Range, said the herd caused significant damage across four areas in Fythong Union. Mostafizur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer of Lama, urged villagers to remain vigilant and advised affected farmers to submit applications for compensation.
Environmental activists warn that human encroachment and deforestation are forcing elephants into villages. “Their natural food sources are disappearing due to settlements and hill deforestation. During winter, elephants enter human areas in search of crops like paddy,” said M Ruhul Amin, an environmental activist in Lama.
Experts warn that such incidents are likely to increase unless immediate measures are taken to protect both humans and wildlife. Habitat restoration, stricter land use regulation and community based mitigation strategies are seen as urgent priorities.
The attacks highlight a growing human wildlife conflict in Bangladesh’s hill districts, where expanding settlements clash with the survival needs of endangered animals. Without careful management, both local communities and elephants face increasing risks.
