A Supreme Court lawyer has demanded urgent action to protect rescued captive elephants, alleging abuse, illegal exploitation, tusk removal and weak enforcement of Bangladesh’s wildlife protection laws.
Lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua sent the notice by registered post on June 17 to the environment secretary, the chief conservator of forests and other Forest Department officials, alleging widespread mistreatment of elephants by both licensed and unlicensed owners.
The notice asked the authorities to take effective measures within 15 days, warning that legal action would be initiated if no steps are taken.
According to the notice, several captive elephants, including Nihar Kali, Rashmoni, Samrat, Rajubahadur and Rajabahadur, have been rescued over the past two years from activities such as street extortion, circus performances, physical abuse and other forms of exploitation.
The lawyer highlighted the case of Babar Bahadur, a rescued elephant that died earlier this year after allegedly enduring years of suffering caused by severe injuries inflicted by its owner. The notice alleged that the owner had cut off the elephant’s tusks and continued using the animal in circus shows and extortion activities despite its worsening condition.
Barua urged authorities to investigate the disappearance of the tusks, arguing that the incident could involve violations of wildlife protection laws. He also expressed concern that the tusks may have been illegally traded for financial gain.
The notice further drew attention to reports of elephant killings in districts bordering India. Citing a media report published in May, it said local residents near the Garo Hills in Sherpur had installed electric traps to prevent elephants from entering croplands.
It claimed that at least 32 elephants were killed in Sherpur, Netrokona, Mymensingh and Jamalpur between 2016 and 2025, while legal action against those responsible remained limited.
Barua alleged that authorities had failed to properly enforce the Animal Welfare Act, 2019 and the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012 against individuals accused of abusing captive elephants.
He called on the Forest Department to ensure that all rescued elephants are permanently housed in secure facilities, including Gazipur Safari Park and other recognised wildlife sanctuaries, where they can receive veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and protection.
The notice also raised concerns over allegations that some influential individuals were attempting to return rescued elephants to former owners who had allegedly used them for logging operations, street extortion and other unlawful activities.
Barua demanded the establishment of a transparent monitoring system to ensure that rescued elephants are protected from further physical and psychological abuse and are not used again for entertainment, labour or commercial exploitation.
Source: NEW AGE
