Photo: Voice7 News
Veterinary surgeons and a conservationist being airlifted by a BGB helicopter from Ramu Cantonment to Dhaka after being critically injured by a wild elephant during a rescue operation in Cox’s Bazar, August 16, 2025.
Ramu, Aug 17 (V7N) — Three individuals, including two veterinary surgeons, were critically injured on Friday afternoon while attempting to provide medical treatment to an injured wild elephant in the hilly region of Rajarkul Thoinggyakata, located in the Baluchhara South Hills of Ramu upazila, Cox’s Bazar.
The injured have been identified as Hatem Sajjat Julkarnain, veterinary surgeon at Dulahazra Safari Park; Md Mostafizur Rahman, veterinary surgeon at Gazipur Safari Park; and Md Atikur Rahman, member secretary of the Cox’s Bazar chapter of Save the Nature of Bangladesh, an environmental organization.
According to a statement from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters, the elephant had previously sustained injuries from a landmine explosion near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border. While the rescue team was administering emergency medical aid, the distressed and aggressive elephant unexpectedly turned violent, attacking the team members.
The victims were initially given emergency medical attention at the Ramu Cantonment. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were subsequently airlifted to Dhaka for specialized treatment by a BGB helicopter, confirmed BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam.
The incident highlights the growing risks faced by wildlife rescue workers and conservationists in border regions where conflict-related hazards, such as landmines, continue to endanger both human and animal lives. Authorities are currently reviewing protocols for responding to similar wildlife emergencies in unstable border zones.
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