Forest department gives Tk3 lakh to elephant attack victim’s family
The Jhum Control Forest Department has provided a compensation cheque of Tk3 lakh to the family of an individual who lost their life in a wild elephant attack in Kaukhali upazila, Rangamati, in 2019.
The cheque was handed over on Thursday, 2 April 2026, at the Rangamati divisional office by Mohammad Golam Kuddus Bhuiyan, Divisional Forest Officer, Jhum Control Forest Department, Rangamati.
Paiong Marma, husband of the deceased, received the compensation cheque.
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During the cheque handover ceremony, Mohammad Golam Kuddus Bhuiyan emphasised the importance of coexistence with wildlife, urging communities not to harm wild animals that stray into localities. He noted that while the government provides compensation for losses to life and property, residents should avoid confrontations with wildlife to minimise risks.
He reiterated that maintaining a safe distance from wild animals is crucial for safety, adding that the government remains committed to providing compensation for any property damage.
Under the new guidelines, families of individuals who die as a result of wild animal attacks are eligible for Tk3 lakh in compensation, provided they apply through the designated process.
He added that in the event of serious injury, compensation up to Tk1 lakh is available. Additionally, individuals whose crops, houses, or homesteads outside forest areas are damaged by wild animals may receive up to Tk50,000.
Md Tabibur Rahman, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Rangamati Jhum Control Forest Department, clarified that compensation is not available in certain circumstances. These include injuries sustained while unlawfully entering government forest areas, intentionally harming wild animals, illegal hunting, injuries to foreign nationals in border no man's land, and incidents involving safari park officials or employees who already receive a risk allowance.
Other officials present included Abdul Jalil, Khashkhali Range Officer; Md Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, Sadar Range Officer; Abdur Gafur, Tinkunia Range Officer; and other relevant officials.
