Rubber plantation worker killed in elephant attack in Naikhongchhari

A rubber plantation worker was killed in an elephant attack in Bandarban early today.

The victim is Abdul Haque, 40, of Purnobashon Para under Baishari union in Naikhongchhari upazila, said police.

The incident occurred this morning when he was collecting rubber latex at the Paiyajhiri rubber garden in Sonaychhari union.

Hossu Mia, a witness and a local from the area, said Abdul came under a sudden attack by a wild elephant while working at the plantation. He died on the spot.

On information, the deceased's son and brother, along with a team from the Sonaychhari police outpost, recovered the body, said Naikhongchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Masrurul Haque.

"Police are completing necessary legal procedures," he said.

Tanvir Chowdhury, range officer of the Lama divisional Forest Department, confirmed the incident and said Abdul and three other workers had gone to collect raw rubber early in the morning when they encountered the elephant.

"The elephant charged at them, killing Abdul Haque on the spot. The others managed to flee," he added.

Lama Divisional Forest Officer Md Mustafizur Rahman said shrinking forest land and loss of natural habitat due to deforestation were pushing elephants into human settlements in search of food.

He also mentioned that according to the rules of the Forest Department and the provisions of the Wildlife Act, if someone dies due to an attack by a wild elephant, the victim's family is eligible to receive a maximum compensation of Tk 3 lakh.