Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has stressed that the conservation of elephants depends on protecting their natural habitats and reducing human-elephant conflict.
Speaking as Chief Guest at a discussion marking World Elephant Day 2025 at the Forest Department headquarters (Bon Bhaban) on Wednesday, she emphasized the urgent need to plant elephant-friendly trees, identify and preserve elephant corridors, conduct population surveys, and strengthen awareness programs in rural communities.
The Advisor announced that a special project on elephant conservation has been undertaken. As part of the initiative, 350 hectares of elephant food plantations and 50 hectares of bamboo groves will be created, along with protective measures for the vegetation. To mitigate conflicts, ecological bio-fencing will be introduced, including 10 kilometers of live fencing with cane, lemon, and jujube plants.
She further outlined plans to form Anti-Depredation Squads (ADS), Elephant Response Teams (ERT), and Elephant Rescue Teams near elephant reserves, while 16 tree towers will be constructed to monitor elephant movements. Two dedicated elephant rescue centers will be set up—one at Gazipur Safari Park and another at Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar.
Temporary shelters will also be established in Sylhet, Chattogram, Rangamati, and Sherpur for treating injured elephants. The project includes studies on climate change and human activities affecting elephant habitats, ethnographic surveys, and the creation of a 10-acre elephant sanctuary at Chunati in Chattogram for rehabilitating domesticated elephants.
The event was presided over by Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests. Special guests included Md. Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, wildlife expert and former Principal Wildlife Specialist at Dubai Safari Park; Professor Dr. Md. Monirul H. Khan of Jahangirnagar University; A.S.M. Zahir Uddin Akon, Conservator of Forests (Central Circle); and Dr. Mohammad Abdul Motaleb, Acting Executive Director of Arannayk Foundation.
A thematic presentation was delivered by Md. Shanaullah Patwary, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle).