15 injured, including 3 critical, while treating landmine-hit elephant in Bandarban
At that time, the elephant suddenly attacked from behind without warning, injuring all 15 people
Fifteen forest department officials and employees were injured in an elephant attack while trying to treat the animal wounded in a landmine explosion along the Naikhongchhari border in Bandarban.
Three of them, including two veterinary surgeons, are in critical condition.
Md Shariful Islam, public relations officer of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters, confirmed this morning (16 August) that the three critically injured were flown to Dhaka on a BGB helicopter.
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The three are Cox's Bazar South Forest Division Rajarkul Range Officer Ali Newaz, Dulahazra Safari Park veterinary surgeon Hatem Sajjad Julkarnain and Gazipur Safari Park veterinary surgeon Md Mostafizur Rahman.
According to forest department sources, they have been admitted to the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka.
Md Nurul Islam, divisional officer of the Cox's Bazar South Forest Division, said they were informed by the Naikhongchhari forest range that the elephant, injured in the landmine explosion, was last located in the Dariyardighi protected forest in Ramu upazila.
Yesterday (15 August), a 15-member forest department team, including doctors, went to the deep forest of Dariyardighi to provide treatment.
"At that time, the elephant suddenly attacked from behind without warning, injuring all 15 people. The elephant even snatched a gun during the attack and threw it inside the forest, which was later recovered after a long search," said Nurul Islam.
Despite the incident, he said, efforts were continuing to provide care to the elephant.
"We are trying our best to ensure the injured elephant receives proper treatment. Even though the forest workers were injured while providing medical care, we are now monitoring the elephant's movements," he added.
Officials said the elephant's right front leg is nearly paralysed as a result of the mine explosion. Its sole and nails were blown off, leaving the animal limping on three legs. It is also struggling to collect food due to the pain from its wounds.
The elephant was injured in the landmine explosion on 3 August along the Naikhongchhari border. Doctors said the animal has grown weak from blood loss and dehydration, and requires long-term intensive care.
