Stray elephant returns to forest after entering Ctg's Banshkhali locality

A stray Asian elephant that wandered into a residential area in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila from a nearby reserved forest last night (23 July) was safely driven back into the forest through a joint effort by the Pukuria Elephant Response Team (ERT), local representatives and the Forest Department, with no casualties reported.

Jaldi Wildlife Sanctuary Range Officer Mohammad Israhil Haque confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.

The elephant entered the Chandpur Bazar area of Pukuria union along the upazila's main road around 11pm, triggering panic among residents, pedestrians and motorists. Many people moved to safer locations as the animal roamed the area.

Israhil Haque said that although there is no official survey of elephant populations in the Pokkhuria area, a herd of around eight to 10 elephants, including adult males, females and calves, is known to inhabit the area. Wild elephants are frequently sighted there because it borders a reserved forest.

"Preliminary observations suggest the elephant may have strayed into the locality while searching for food," he said.

He added that elephants are also known to become separated from their herds and enter human settlements during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.

Pukuria Union Parishad member Farid Ahmed said the elephant was eventually guided towards the northern hilly forest area with the help of local residents.