Photo: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh

DHAKA, August 24, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has ordered that the two elephants named Samrat Bahadur and Nihar Kali be taken back into the custody of the Forest Department for violating the conditions under which they had been placed in private custody.

On August 12, 2026, the authorities of Gazipur Safari Park had placed the two elephants in the custody of two separate individuals.

Subsequently, information came to the attention of Mintoo that the custodians were not properly complying with the country’s wildlife protocols.

The minister immediately instructed the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the safety, security and welfare of the two elephants. 

Following his directive, officials of the Forest Department took the two elephants back into Forest Department custody.

The female elephant Nihar Kali was taken into Forest Department custody from the Kamalganj area of Moulvibazar District, while the male elephant Samrat Bahadur was taken from an area adjacent to Shilua Tea Garden in Juri Upazila.

Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury said the two elephants are currently being transported to Gazipur Safari Park under the supervision of the Forest Department. 

Upon their arrival at the safari park, their health will be examined by the responsible veterinary officer and members of a specialized medical board. 

They will subsequently be moved to designated elephant sheds and kept under close observation.