Sundarbans, July 25 (V7N) – An injured freshwater turtle was rescued from the Chunokuri River in the Sundarbans by the Bangladesh Coast Guard, officials confirmed on Friday.

The discovery was made during a routine patrol on Thursday, July 24, around 1 PM, by members of Bangladesh Coast Guard Station Dobeki. While monitoring the Malancha and Chunokuri rivers, the team spotted the turtle floating in distress. Upon closer inspection, they found the animal to be seriously injured, with one of its legs completely severed. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Coast Guard personnel immediately retrieved the turtle and brought it back to their station for initial medical care.

After providing emergency treatment, the turtle was handed over to the local forest department. Later, in a joint initiative between the Bangladesh Coast Guard and the Dobeki Forest Division, the turtle was released into a protected pond managed by the forest department for further recovery.

According to Lieutenant Commander Siyyam-ul-Haque, Media Officer of Bangladesh Coast Guard (Dhaka), the operation is part of a broader effort to safeguard the coastal and riverine ecosystems. He emphasized that, beyond ensuring maritime security, the Coast Guard actively participates in environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and raising awareness about biodiversity.

This incident once again highlights the critical role of turtles in maintaining ecological balance. Turtles are key indicators of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. As omnivores, they help regulate aquatic vegetation and control populations of certain invertebrates, thus supporting water quality. Their presence contributes to nutrient cycling between water and land, especially in coastal and estuarine zones like the Sundarbans.

The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest mangrove forest, is home to a rich variety of endangered species. Turtles, as part of this fragile biodiversity, play an essential role in the region’s ecological web. Injuries or deaths due to human activity — such as fishing gear, boat propellers, or pollution — not only threaten individual animals but can disturb the wider environmental equilibrium.

Officials have reiterated their commitment to continue such humanitarian and conservation-driven efforts. The Bangladesh Coast Guard confirmed it will maintain its ongoing operations to preserve the Sundarbans' natural resources and protect its diverse wildlife population.

This incident underscores the importance of cross-agency collaboration in preserving Bangladesh’s vulnerable and ecologically vital habitats.

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