Two briefly detained after protesting 'illegal' snake show at Ctg's Boalkhali fair
Provisions in the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2026, prohibit the use of wild animals such as snakes for public entertainment.
Two wildlife conservation volunteers were briefly detained after protesting an alleged illegal snake show at a Pohela Boishakh fair organised by the Boalkhali upazila administration in Chattogram.
According to witnesses, a snake charmer was invited to perform at the fair, despite provisions in the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2026, that prohibit the use of wild animals such as snakes for public entertainment.
Members of the Bangladesh Wildlife and Snake Rescuers Team and Nature Conservation Alliance raised objections at the venue and requested authorities to stop the show. However, instead of halting the performance, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mehedi Hasan allegedly ordered the detention of two protesters.
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They were later released after fellow team members intervened.
One of the detained individuals, Sohrab Hossain, told The Business Standard, "We tried to explain the law to the authorities, but we were taken to the office. My family members were called to bring me back."
Siddikur Rahman Rabby, leader of the Wildlife and Snake Rescuers Team, said the incident was "deeply concerning," adding that conservation volunteers should not face harassment for raising awareness about wildlife protection laws.
Repeated attempts to contact UNO Mehedi Hasan for comment were unsuccessful.
Chattogram Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Shorif Uddin said he spoke to the UNO after receiving the complaint. "He informed me that no one was detained. It may have been a misunderstanding. Even if anyone was held, they were later released," he added.
He, however, declined to comment on the alleged violation of the law.
Chattogram Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Dipanwita Bhattacharjee said keeping wild animals like snakes in captivity is itself punishable under the law.
"The law applies equally to all. The ordinance was issued in January and has recently been passed in Parliament, so local authorities should be aware," she said, adding that legal action would be taken if evidence is found.
