Plan underway to ensure coexistence between wild elephants, humans: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring the peaceful coexistence of wild elephants and humans.

"A comprehensive plan is underway to foster this harmony in the KEPZ area of Chattogram, requiring collective efforts from all parties involved," she said at a review meeting at the Secretariat today (13 November).

Rizwana emphasised the need for coordinated action in protecting elephants and mitigating human-elephant conflicts. 

The meeting assessed the progress of a specialist committee formed to address elephant conservation in KEPZ and surrounding areas.

She suggested tracking elephant migration routes to designate specific zones for their movement, facilitating a harmonious relationship between local communities and wildlife.

The initiative will involve close collaboration with KEPZ authorities, the Forest Department, IUCN, local administration, and experts, the adviser said. Additionally, five new Elephant Response Teams will be established and trained to manage potential conflicts.

Meanwhile, at the "First Grant Ceremony" event of the Bangladesh-US Friendship Project held at Hotel Sheraton, the environment adviser urged NGOs to advance initiatives in women's empowerment, food security, child rights, education, health, and environmental protection.

She stressed the importance of collaborative, values-driven efforts to foster an equitable society.