Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - A 'critically endangered' sambar deer was rescued from the Haldia rubber garden in Raozan upazila of the district by the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC) staffs. 

Later, the rescued deer was closely monitored by the plantation authorities for two days before being released back into its natural environment, said Haldia Rubber Garden Manager Rabiur Rahman here today.

He said the sambar deer was released into the forest on Sunday afternoon following advice of the forest department.

Giving details, Rahman said the local hunters attempted to catch a group of sambar deer that came to drink water in the plantation area on Friday afternoon. 

Despite their efforts, the hunters managed to capture a middle-aged deer. Upon receiving the information, the plantation staffs intervened and rescued the deer from the poachers. 

The deer sustained minor injuries during the chase, and it was provided with first aid and kept under observation.

Chattogram Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Dipanbita Bhattacharya said that a group of sambar deer are frequently roaming around the rubber plantation and its surrounding areas. 

Sending the rescued deer to a safari park would separate it from its companions, which may reduce chances of its survival. Therefore, the forest department advised the plantation authorities to release the deer back into its natural habitat.