Dead dolphin found in Halda River
Researchers say 48 dolphins have died in the Halda over the past six and a half years, many showing signs of injury
A dead dolphin was recovered from the Halda River in Chattogram today (3 February), the fifth such recovery in 11 months, raising renewed concerns over the safety of the critically endangered species in the country's only natural carp breeding ground.
Researchers say 48 dolphins have died in the Halda over the past six and a half years, many showing signs of injury.
The latest dolphin, retrieved around 2pm from Ramdas Munshirhat in North Madarsha Union, Hathazari upazila by Halda naval police personnel, weighed an estimated 25–28 kilograms and measured roughly four and a half feet.
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The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with Chattogram University's Halda River Research Centre, conducted an inquest and post-mortem.
Muhammad Ramzan Ali, sub-inspector of the Halda naval police outpost, noted that the dolphin had likely been dead for several days, with the body already decomposing and the skin swollen.
Experts highlighted that the dolphin is critically endangered, with only around 1,100 worldwide and approximately 170 remaining in the Halda River.
Earlier on 16 December 2025, another dead dolphin was recovered from Barighona, Hathazari.
Conservationists warn that the species' population in the river is under serious threat and called for urgent protective measures.
