Dead dolphin found in Kagatia Canal linked to Halda River

A dead dolphin was recovered from the Kagatia Canal linked to Halda River in Paschimgujra union under Raozan upazila in Chattogram around 1:30pm today (12 February).

Upon receiving information from local egg collector Roushangir, senior upazila fisheries officials and naval police personnel arrived at the scene to collect data and investigate the cause of the dolphin's death.

The dead dolphin measured 5 feet in length, 27 inches in girth, and weighed approximately 15kg.

Confirming the details, Dr Manzoorul Kibria, coordinator of the Halda Research Laboratory and professor of Zoology at the University of Chittagong, told The Business Standard, "According to the upazila fisheries department, this is the 45th recorded dead dolphin since 2018 and second since 2024."

"It is suspected that the dolphin may have died somewhere in the Halda River and was carried here by the tide. A joint post-mortem examination was conducted by the Raozan Upazila Fisheries Office, the Naval Police, and the Chittagong University Halda River Research Laboratory. It is estimated that the dolphin died 2-3 days ago. Injury marks were found on its head and abdomen", he added.

He further said, "A thorough investigation and analysis will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the dolphin's death. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, it was buried in the Azimer Ghat area with the assistance of local egg collector Roushangir"

Replying to a question, Dr Kibria said, "The dolphin might have sustained injuries while getting hit by dredgers in the Halda River."

He reported that the movement of dredgers in Halda River has been on the rise for the last few months, which is dangerous for the aquatic health of the river. 

Last year, four dead dolphins were found dead in the Halda River.

Over the past five and a half years, the total number of dead dolphins recovered from the river has risen to 45.

The Halda River is a crucial natural breeding ground for carp fish in South Asia and also serves as a major habitat for freshwater dolphins in Bangladesh.

Previously, dolphins were also commonly found in the Karnaphuli River, but pollution has significantly reduced their presence there.