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RANGAMATI, April 27, 2026 (BSS) - Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today called for working together to protect wildlife as wild animals, including elephants, are at risk due to deforestation.
He said elephants are the asset of the country, so everyone must work sincerely to protect them.
“Elephants are very sensitive animals. If elephants are not affected, they do not harm humans. Natural environment must be protected to save elephants,” Dipen said, stressing the need for building friendly relations between elephants and humans.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a cheque distribution ceremony here.
The ceremony was organised by the district administration and forest department at the Deputy Commissioner's office conference room to hand over compensation cheques to families affected by wildlife in various upazilas of the district.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi presided over the meeting, while forest conservator (Rangamati region) Mohammad Abdul Awal Sarkar spoke.
Divisional Forest Officer of Chittagong Hill Tracts North Forest Division Md Rafiquzzaman Shah, Divisional Forest Officer of Chittagong Hill Tracts South Forest Division SM Sajjad Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Ruhul Amin and District BNP General Secretary Mamunur Rashid Mamun were present, among others.
Dipen dewan said elephants' habitats are being damaged in different areas of the CHT and assured of hold high-level discussions with the government to take effective initiatives for the protection of elephants..
At the event, cheques of Taka 6 lakh were distributed to the families of two people killed by wild elephants and over Taka 20 lakh were provided to 76 families affected by wild animals.
