Noakhali youth flees after mongoose-burning video goes viral
Forest department to file case against him
A youth in Noakhali who posted a video of burning a mongoose yesterday has gone into hiding after the video went viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.
Begumganj police raided the accused's house last evening (23 August), but he managed to flee.
The Forest Department in Noakhali has decided to file a case against a youth for allegedly burning an endangered mongoose and posting the video on social media.
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Divisional Forest Officer Abu Yusuf confirmed the development today (24 August).
The accused, identified as Akbar Hossain Hridoy, is a resident of Ward 5 in Jirtali union under Begumganj upazila. He previously lived abroad for many years and now runs a poultry farm in his village.
Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, a wildlife rescuer of 'Wild Life and Snake Rescue Team in Bangladesh' told The Business Standard, "A Facebook profile named Akbar Hossain Hridoy livestreamed the act of burning a mongoose around 11am yesterday."
According to Maksudur, the video showed a caged mongoose being doused with kerosene before being set on fire. The accused was heard saying, "You ate my hundred chicks and caused me a loss of Tk10,000." Moments later, the mongoose was seen engulfed in flames while screaming, as another person was holding a kerosene bottle nearby.
Begumganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Liton Dewan confirmed that preparations are underway to file a case against the accused under the Wildlife Conservation Act. However, the accused has gone into hiding.
Maksudur Rahman said the incident soon drew widespread condemnation, with several individuals and organisations working in wildlife and biodiversity conservation expressing outrage.
Following this, members of Begumganj forest range, Noakhali Wildlife Animal Rescue Team, Noakhali Animal Welfare Community and Dream Light of Help Centre conducted a raid at the accused's residence.
Notably, the mongoose, also known locally as "neol" or "nokul", is a small mammal categorised as endangered in Bangladesh. It is known for its speed and is considered a natural enemy of snakes. The animal feeds on fish, poultry, and small creatures, collects food during the day and lives in burrows at night. It is commonly found in villages and bushy areas of towns.
