DHAKA, June 9, 2026 (BSS) - The Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Forest 
Department seized 42 native wild animals of different species during a drive 
in the city today.

Asim Mallick, Wildlife Inspector at Wildlife Crime Control Unit, conducted 
the drive in city's Mirpur area.

During the drive, one person was arrested for his alleged involvement in 
illegally preserving and smuggling wildlife.

The recovered wildlife included: 3 Rajdhanesh, 3 Bespectacled Hanuman, 13 
Mountain yellow turtle, 12 parrots, 1 Myna, 3 slow loris, 1 Eagle owl, 3 
Asian palm civet and 3 Squirrel.

The arrested person was identified as Md. Sajuddin (24), a resident of 
Poragaon, Nalitabari, Sherpur. His father is Md. Makbul Hossain and mother is 
Shahera Begum. He was arrested from the Sonali Bazar area adjacent to Eastern 
Housing in Mirpur-12 area of ??Dhaka.

The rescued wildlife has been kept in the custody of the Forest Department 
for primary treatment and care, Asim Mallick said. 

Later, he said, the wild species will be released to nature based on the 
instructions of higher authorities and the opinions of experts.

Asim Mallick said initial probe revealed that Mohammad Hadis Rahman was 
involved in this wildlife trafficking gang and he has already been arrested 
in a drive by the Chakaria Forest Department in Cox's Bazar and is currently 
in jail.

The investigation has also revealed that Hadis Rahman's wife Khushi is 
believed to have coordinated and controlled the activities of the gang 
through online. 

The matter is under further investigation and the operation is ongoing to 
identify and bring other members of the trafficking gang to justice.

The Forest Department urged everyone to be aware that no individual or gang 
is involved in hunting, collecting, transporting, buying and selling or 
trafficking wildlife in violation of the Wildlife (Conservation and Safety) 
Act 2026. 

It has also been requested to inform the concerned authorities if there is 
information about wildlife-related crimes.